1. Unit 11: Survivorship
Survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis. Today there are over 16.5 million cancer survivors in the United States of America.

2. Cancer is the name for a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells grow out of control and invades other tissues in the body. It destroys the DNA of a cell. One-half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer at some point in their life.

3. The rate of a cancer diagnosis fell by 0
The rate of a cancer diagnosis fell by 0.8% between the years of 2003 and However, by the year 2050 it will increase for minorities by 99%.

4. Road of Cancer
A plan of medical care will be made for each individual patient with the aid of their medical team which will include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists.

5. Module 1 : Long Term Effects
Diagnosis
Crisis period
Patient's understanding
Communication
Family/caregivers
Existential concerns
Treatment
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Clinical Trials

6. Effects of Treatment
Patients compliance
Coping skills
Financial concerns
Practical assistance
Cultural considerations
End of Treatment
High anxiety
Continued survelliance
Physical limitations
Family considerations
Financial/return to work

7. Normalization
May require long period of time.
Sexual dysfunction
Chemo-brain
Loss of hair, organs, or other body parts.
Incontinence
Lymphadema
Psychosocial Normalization - “New Normal”
Grief process
Fear of recurrence
Body image
Difficulty sleeping

8. Practical concerns also are part of the long term effects of cancer
Practical concerns also are part of the long term effects of cancer. Patients often have trouble with health and life insurance issues.

9. Module 2: Rehabilitation
Grieve for your losses
Cope with your disease.
Cope with the stigma.
“New normal.”
Utilize resources; ie, support groups, counseling or even psychiatrists
Renew relationships
Gain control
Utilize your unique cultural values, spiritual values and goals.
Re-evaluate your priorities

10. Rehabilitation Relaxation Tai-Chi Cognitive strategies Exercise
Sleep Hygiene
Counseling
Support Groups
Nutrition
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Lunch 'n Learn
Celebrate Life
Cancer Survivors' Conference

11. Module 3: Patient Advocacy
Helping with future appointments
Help with financial issues
Continue with patient access to future treatment
Employment
Health, Disability and Life Insurance Options
Insurance Navigation
Genetics and the Law
Cancer Community Resources
Healthcare Reform

12. National Organizations
American Cancer Society
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Patient Advocate Foundation
Specific cancer organizations

13. Module 4: Long Term Follow-up
Once you have been daignosed with cancer, you are always considered to be a cancer patient. Medical professionals will view you in this light.

14. Long Term Follow-Up Regular medical check-ups
Medical history should be maintained
Possible future side effects
Future drugs you may be taking
Maintain health and well-being
Individualized treatment care plan/Survivorship Plan

16. Final Preparations
Will
Trust
Living Will
Five Wishes

17. Advance Health Directives should be created at the time of diagnosis
Advance Health Directives should be created at the time of diagnosis. Your records should be documented and kept in a safe place. You should give a copy of these to your health care provider. The Federal Patient Self- Determination Act requires all facilities that receive Medicare, Medicaid to discuss health care directives with newly admitted patients. This law also requires the directives to be part of your medical record.

18. Recurrence Process new information about treatment options
Uncertain outcomes
Conflicts with family and staff about treatment
Maintaining hope in view of realism
Creative solutions to financial issues
Emotional crises

19. Terminal Illness Re-evaluate spiritual focus Help with information
Constantly reassess goals
Another psycho-social assessment is needed.
Palliative care
Hospice

20. Maintain a certain quality of life
Cope with deteriorating physical condition
Existential issues and how they relate to individual's culture
Plan for surviving members