Cancer Survivorship Program

What Is Cancer Survivorship Care?

Cancer survivorship care is ongoing health care that addresses the physical, emotional, and practical needs of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It begins during treatment and continues for as long as you need it.

At LMH Health, our survivorship program focuses on three key areas:

Monitoring your health after treatment. Your survivorship team works with your oncologist and primary care doctor to schedule follow-up exams, lab work, and screenings based on your cancer type and treatment history. In general, follow-up visits may occur every three to four months during the first two to three years after treatment, then once or twice a year after that. Your specific schedule will depend on your individual needs.

Managing side effects and late effects. Some side effects of cancer treatment continue after your last session. Others, known as late effects, may not appear until months or years later. Common concerns include fatigue, changes in memory or concentration, nerve pain or numbness, and emotional challenges such as anxiety or depression. Your survivorship team monitors for these issues and connects you with the right care.

Supporting your overall well-being. Life after cancer treatment can affect your relationships, work, finances, and sense of self. The survivorship program helps you access resources for emotional support, healthy lifestyle guidance, and practical needs as you adjust.

Your Survivorship Care Plan

When you complete treatment at LMH Health Cancer Center, your team provides you with a personalized survivorship care plan. This document, developed in partnership with the Masonic Cancer Alliance at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, serves as a detailed record of your cancer journey and a roadmap for your future care.

Your survivorship care plan includes:

• A summary of your diagnosis, treatments received, and medications
• A schedule for follow-up visits, tests, and cancer screenings
• Information about possible late effects based on your specific treatments
• Recommendations for healthy living, including nutrition and physical activity
• Guidance on signs and symptoms to watch for
• Resources for emotional, financial, and social support

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends bringing your survivorship care plan to every doctor visit so all your providers have a clear picture of your cancer history and ongoing needs.

What to Expect from the Program

Your survivorship nurse navigator is your dedicated point of contact after treatment ends. At LMH Health Cancer Center, the survivorship team meets with you at your first appointment after treatment to review your care plan and answer your questions.

From there, the team continues to check in with you over weeks, months, and years to help you stay on track with screenings, manage any ongoing side effects, and address new concerns as they come up. This includes monitoring for physical health issues, checking in on your emotional well-being, and making sure you have the follow-up care you need.

The survivorship program is part of the LMH Health Cancer Center’s commitment to whole-person care. As a Commission on Cancer-accredited program, LMH Health meets rigorous national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care, including survivorship services.

Common Concerns After Cancer Treatment

Many cancer survivors experience some of the following after treatment. Talk with your survivorship team about any concerns you have.

Fear of recurrence. Worry that cancer may come back is one of the most common experiences among survivors. Follow-up visits with your care team can help you understand your individual risk and develop a plan for monitoring.

Fatigue. Tiredness that does not improve with rest is one of the most common lasting side effects of cancer treatment. Your team can help identify contributing factors and recommend strategies to manage your energy.

Emotional and mental health changes. Research suggests that as many as one in four people with cancer experience depression. Anxiety, stress, and difficulty adjusting to life after treatment are also common. Your survivorship team can connect you with counseling and support resources.

Physical changes. Depending on your treatment, you may notice changes in strength, memory, sleep, appetite, or other areas of daily life. Some of these improve over time, while others may require ongoing management.

Practical and social challenges. Cancer can affect your ability to work, your finances, and your relationships. Your team can help connect you with resources to address these concerns.

Healthy Living After Cancer

Staying active and making healthy choices can support your recovery and long-term health. Cancer survivors are encouraged to follow the same physical activity recommendations as the general population. Your survivorship team can help you set realistic goals based on where you are today.

General recommendations for survivors include:

• Staying physically active, with a goal of working toward regular exercise as your body allows
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Keeping up with recommended cancer screenings and preventive care
• Staying connected with supportive people in your life

Nurse Navigators: Your Guide Through Survivorship

At LMH Health Cancer Center, nurse navigators are with you from diagnosis through survivorship. The survivorship nurse navigator position is funded through generous gifts to the LMH Health Foundation’s survivorship program.

Your nurse navigator helps coordinate care between your oncologist, primary care doctor, and any specialists you may need. They are your go-to contact for questions about follow-up care, symptoms, resources, and next steps.

Why Choose LMH Health for Survivorship Care

The LMH Health Cancer Center brings together experienced, board-certified oncologists trained at National Cancer Institute-designated centers, a dedicated survivorship team, and strong community partnerships to support your care close to home.

As a member of the Masonic Cancer Alliance, LMH Health provides access to clinical trials, the latest treatment advancements, and comprehensive survivorship care planning developed in collaboration with the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

The Cancer Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, a recognition awarded to institutions that meet rigorous standards for comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer treatment. Only about 24% of U.S. hospitals hold this accreditation.

Key Takeaways

• Cancer survivorship care helps you manage your health, well-being, and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• The LMH Health Cancer Survivorship Program provides a personalized care plan, ongoing monitoring, and dedicated nurse navigator support.
• Follow-up care schedules are tailored to your cancer type and treatment history.
• Late effects of treatment can appear months or years later. Regular follow-up helps catch and manage these early.
• Your survivorship team is here to support you physically, emotionally, and practically for as long as you need.