Primary care for patients who are cancer survivors is multifaceted. Although my goal as a primary care physician (PCP) remains the same as with all my patients—to continue helping them lead long, healthy lives—care for this population requires some additional steps.
Primary care for patients who are cancer survivors is multifaceted. Although my goal as a primary care physician (PCP) remains the same as with all my patients—to continue helping them lead long, healthy lives—care for this population requires some additional steps.
Many cancer survivors, particularly those with lower education or socioeconomic status, can be lost to appropriate oncology follow-up, so checking in on their last appointment with their oncologist is an important part of PCP care. Patients can also develop additional comorbidities at any point along the cancer continuum, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or hypothyroidism, and PCPs can ensure they’re following up with appropriate specialists, maintaining treatment protocols, getting proper imaging, and so on.
I want to be sure my patients aren’t experiencing any symptoms and feel strong, have solid appetites, maintain normal sleep patterns, and have generally good moods. Caring for this population of patients is somewhat different compared to the general public because of my focus on mental health.
Cancer’s impact on mental well-being is often at forefront of a PCP’s conversation with survivors because cancer treatment and survivorship are often linked to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. My biggest concern for my patients who are cancer survivors is strengthening their outlook moving forward. I strive to help them shake the fear of what they have just made it through, and I try to help them see that life will go on.
Many of my patients in this population are fortunate to see that they were given a new lease of life. They can often reprioritize to make sure they are spending time and energy on the things that add value. However, others may struggle to cope after having their lives turned upside down. To come back from trauma like a cancer diagnosis, and to continue living on the other side as a survivor, sometimes requires a lot of reassurance. So, I try to help my patients who are cancer survivors see that it is okay to move on with and enjoy life.
Moving past a cancer diagnosis and treatment can and should be meaningful, rewarding, and positive. Caring for this population provides me with all of those same emotions.