Disconnect Found in Expectations of Cancer Survivor Care
Cancer survivors and their doctors have differing views about expected patient care, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study, which surveyed patients, primary care physicians and oncologists, suggests that overall patient care is being hindered by this unfortunate disconnect.
Dr. Craig Earle, who led the study at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto, reports that surveyed patients had higher expectations in relation to their oncologists on how much routine, non-cancer survivorship care was to be offered. Additionally, patients had lower expectations than their primary care physicians regarding how much cancer-related care was to be provided during general care appointments.
In total, 431 cancer survivors, 255 primary care physicians and 123 oncologists participated in the study. The study consisted of a survey that was intended to gauge oncology and primary care physician responsibilities related to the surveillance of cancer, screening for other cancers, general preventive health and continuing management of unrelated health issues.
The lack of clarity in the post-cancer treatment process raises concerns that survivors are receiving a lack of care. As such, Dr. Earle recommends the need for survivor ship care planning. Ideally, such a plan would clearly outline to cancer survivors the future role of general care physicians and specialized oncologists. Many experts on the subject, including Dr. Noreen Aziz, a senior program director at the National Cancer Institute, believe that such a plan will soon be available.
Resource:
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/040709/page2
