Advancing Survivorship Care for Every Patient

More than 18 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and that number continues to rise as survival rates improve and the population ages. Yet survivorship remains one of the most significant unmet needs in cancer care. In just 18 months, The University of Kansas Cancer Center's survivorship program has begun to reshape what life after cancer can look like, creating a new model that supports people before, during, and after treatment ends. Instead of waiting for challenges to appear, the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research team uses regular assessments to identify physical, cognitive, emotional, nutritional and social needs early. More than 540 patients have enrolled, and the program continues to grow.

We're building a future where every patient has the support they need to live well after treatment.

— Anthony Sung, MD, director of The Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research

Under the direction of Anthony Sung, MD, the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research is preparing for a major expansion as it moves beyond blood cancers. Genitourinary (including bladder, prostate and kidney cancers), breast, and head and neck cancers are among the likely first solid tumor groups to be added, all of which require significant investment in staff and space. Key priorities include:

• More nurse navigators who can guide patients and caregivers from diagnosis through survivorship. The program will need 40 additional navigators to meet projected demand.
• Expanded supportive care services such as onco-psychology, prehabilitation and rehabilitation, nutrition and financial counseling.
• A dedicated survivorship clinic that brings these services together in one space.
• Research infrastructure that helps evaluate the impact of these services and strengthens the case for insurance coverage.