Survivorship programs help you along your journey
By Tara Ballard, manager, cancer survivorship

Let us help you along your survivorship journey: 704-384-5560

The National Cancer Institute states cancer survivorship as covering “the physical, psychosocial and economic issues of cancer, from diagnosis until the end of life.” In other words, it focuses on the health and life of a person with cancer well beyond diagnosis and treatment. Survivorship includes everything from the ability to get healthcare and follow-up treatment, to late effects of treatment, second cancers and quality of life. Family, friends and caregivers are also part of the survivorship experience.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are now more than 13.7 million cancer survivors in the United States, and, thanks to improved early detection and treatment innovations, that number is expected to grow to nearly 18 million by 2022. While these statistics inspire great hope, they also give rise to the need to address quality of life issues for survivors.

If you are reading this article and have been diagnosed with cancer then you are a survivor. And, chances are you have experienced one or more physical, emotional, financial or social issue related to your diagnosis. You are not alone. Novant Health Cancer Care believes in the importance of holistically addressing cancer survivors’ lifelong needs and has established a world-class survivorship program that focuses on:

• Easy access
• Convenient and affordable care
• Continuum of care
• Better health
• World-class staff

Here’s what your survivorship journey may look like at Novant Health:

• Everything begins when you are first diagnosed and meet your cancer navigator. This registered nurse with specialized training in cancer will quickly become your new best friend and guide you through all the twists and turns of treatment.
• Next comes the Novant Health Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic for an opportunity to have your case reviewed by a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, pathologist and radiologist, as well as a full team of support specialists, all in one setting.

From there, the doors open to a full spectrum of support services to help you along your journey, including:

• Educational programs, like Starting the Cancer Journey, exercise and nutrition, symptom management and other survivorship education classes
• Novant Health Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center, offering counseling, support groups, financial resource guidance and a lending boutique and resource library, for cancer survivors and their family and friends
• Novant Health Cancer Rehab & Wellness, offering physical therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition, yoga, massage and lymphedema treatment to improve pain, limitation, fatigue, swelling or discomfort
• Genetic counseling, to understand your and your family’s risk of developing other cancers

We know the journey isn’t over once treatment ends – in fact, that’s often when more questions are raised.

We want to make sure you feel well cared for and in control at this transitional time and will provide you with a survivorship care plan that includes a treatment summary and surveillance and wellness plan. As services are needed, we will guide you through the process of palliative care through the end of life to ensure you have a voice in your care and are supported every step of the way.

All of our cancer survivors – regardless of the Novant Health facility in which they receive care – will have equal access to these important survivorship programs. If you have questions about your cancer survivorship, including but not limited to any of the topics mentioned above, please do not hesitate to call. We want to empower you with the knowledge and services that will take you from surviving to thriving after your diagnosis.

Let us help you along your survivorship journey by calling today: 704-384-5560.