Who Should Provide Care for America's 12 Million Cancer Survivors?

TON - Daily

Medical oncologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) expressed major differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices required to care for America's 12 million cancer survivors, according to a recent study published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Currently, PCPs often assume a large share of providing care to survivors within a few short years following the patient’s initial cancer treatment. Yet, according to the study's results, many PCPs lack confidence in their knowledge of survivorship care. The study also found that many of the nation’s oncologists feel similarly in that PCPs are not effectively prepared to provide the necessary care.

These discrepancies pose significant obstacles to effective communication and coordination of care following initial cancer treatment. So, given the increasing cancer survivor population and impending shortages of both oncology specialists and PCPs, who should provide care for America’s cancer survivors?

In the comments section below, please share your ideas regarding the best long-term plan of care for cancer survivors.

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