Symptom Management and Psychosocial Outcomes Following Cancer

Transition from the completion of cancer treatment to post-treatment is a pivotal first step in survivorship. Following the end of treatment patients may experience lingering symptoms, compromised physical function, and emotional distress. Within the larger survivorship literature less attention has been devoted to this immediate post acute treatment period. To organize this review a post-treatment risk model is presented; it is informed by the emotional health and comorbid conditions patients bring to their treatment. When integrated with the aggressiveness of treatment(s), the side effects experienced, and emotional responses, this profile defines and characterizes patients' post-treatment needs. Some patients need little more than a standard survivorship care plan with clearly defined shared care responsibilities for the oncologist and primary care physician. Others need more and varied forms of assistance. This review documents the range of physical and psychosocial problems patients' face as they transition from active treatment to survivorship. We conclude with suggestions for future research tailored to patient's post-treatment needs for care.