Survivorship Resources

This resource guide is intended to provide general and supportive information about cancer survivorship to patients, caregivers and other interested parties.

If you would like additional information or print copies of the brochures listed below, please stop by the Community Cancer Resource Center (CCRC), call the ASK-RPCI line at 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724)or email ASKRPCI@roswellpark.org.

General

Coping With Fear of Recurrence This Web page from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) suggests ways to deal with and move beyond fears that cancer will come back, which is very common when treatment is completed.

Cancer.Net - The patient information Web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). With nearly 25,000 members in the United States and abroad, ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. Cancer.Net provides timely, oncologist-approved information to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions, including information on survivorship.

Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers – This National Cancer Institute (NCI) factsheet details what to expect after cancer treatment, and can help patients and their loved ones plan for follow-up care, make lifestyle changes, and make important health-related decisions.

Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment – This NCI publication covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and workplace issues.

Facing Forward: Ways You Can Make a Difference in Cancer – This NCI booklet provides an overview of the potential benefits of involvement in activities that give back to one's community, as well as the ways in which one can become involved in these activities. Designed for cancer survivors and those who have taken care of someone with cancer.

Facing Forward: When Someone You Love Has Completed Cancer Treatment - The focus of this NCI booklet is to provide care givers with coping strategies to help them shift their focus from treatment to recovery. Discusses the transition to a "new normal," communication skills and feelings, ways to get support, helping with follow-up care, and the need for self-care.

Additional general information on lab tests, diagnostic testing and imaging, pathology, etc.

Treatment Related Issues

NCI Physician Data Query (PDQ): Cancer Related Fatigue - This NCI document focuses on fatigue, which is one of the most common complaints of people diagnosed with cancer and cancer survivors. This brief summary describes fatigue, its causes and treatment. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

NCI PDQ: Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer - This NCI document discusses the effects of cancer treatment. The damage from cancer treatments can be mild or serious, and the effects may be seen during treatment or months to years later. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

NCI PDQ: Lymphedema Management – This NCI document provides information on lymphedema, a common complication of cancer and its treatment that can result in long-term physical, psychological, and social issues for patients. Prevention strategies, symptoms and treatment methods are included. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

NCI PDQ: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – This NCI document describes PTSD, its symptoms and how it is diagnosed and treated. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

NCI PDQ: Smoking Cessation and Continued Risk in Cancer Patients – This NCI summary describes the risks faced by cancer patients who continue to smoke. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

Sexuality

NCI PDQ: Sexuality and Reproductive Issues - This NCI document provides information about the factors that can affect all aspects of sexuality during and after cancer treatment and the wide variety of treatments available for these problems. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has developed two booklets that address the sexual problems that may occur as a result of cancer and its treatment:

Sexuality for Men and Their Partners

Sexuality for Women and Their Partners

Nutrition

Information on nutrition for people with any type of cancer.

Cancer Support

Cancer support materials for people with all types of cancer, their care givers and loved ones.

Organizations

Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) - This foundation helps survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer. The LAF Web site provides educational and support resources including counseling, referrals to local resources, and assistance with financial, insurance and employment issues.

NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship - The mission of the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) is to enhance the quality and length of survival of all persons diagnosed with cancer and to minimize or stabilize adverse effects experienced during cancer survivorship.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) - This survivor-led cancer organization acts as a voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.

The NCCS Web site has several survivorship programs including The Cancer Survival Toolbox®, a free, self-learning audio program designed to help cancer survivors and their caregivers meet the challenge of their illness.

I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation (i[2]y) - This pioneering, survivor-led advocacy, support and research organization works exclusively on behalf of survivors and care providers under the age of 40. Their mission is to end isolation and improve quality of life for young adults affected by cancer by:

- - Serving as a global support community that provides 'one-stop' access to hard-to-find resources, peer support and social networks.
  - Educating providers about the unique issues facing this population.
  - Advocating on behalf of over 1 million young adult survivors to raise awareness of the 'cancer under 40' movement and drive change.
  - Gaining a better understanding of the needs of young adult survivors.
  - Using music and the arts to connect and unite young adults, build community and make it hip to talk openly about their experiences.

Oncochat – This Web site is a real-time global peer support community for people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Please note that neither medical advice nor professional counseling are offered on this site.

The Cancer Survivors Network® (CSN) – This is an American Cancer Society (ACS) Web-based service for cancer survivors, their families, care givers, and friends. CSN offers live online chat sessions, virtual support groups, pre-recorded talk shows, and personal stories.

Learn about other organizations for people with all types of cancer.