Cancer Survivorship in 2021

The term ‘survivor’ often has a different meaning from one person to another. The National Cancer Institute defines a person as a survivor from the day of diagnosis through the rest each person’s life, whether that be measured in months, years, or decades. For some cancer types, such as breast, prostate, and testicular, more than 90% are cured of the cancer.  Thus, most patients with a new diagnosis can look forward to a long life. Even for some advanced cancers, such as metastatic breast cancer, our newer therapies can lead to many years of life beyond the diagnosis.

Because of these advances in cancer therapy, we have come to realize the importance of focusing on the prevention of non-cancer health problems. We don’t want to cure the cancer only to have a life shortened by a heart attack. Or to have a cancer held at bay, such as a chronic cancer, only to become frail and lose one’s independence. For these reasons, we are learning to look beyond the cancer—taking care of the whole person.

Dr. Peggy Metts, Medical Director, Wilson Radiation Oncology, and Chair of Wilson Medical Center Cancer Committee acknowledges that “many cancer survivors eventually succumb to heart attacks or strokes rather than the cancer itself.”  These causes of death often are because the immediate threat to life from a cancer turns focus away from blood pressure, cholesterol levels or weight management. The most common loss of independence in survivors of chronic cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia is progressive frailty. Many of these outcomes are preventable with the attention of the right care team. Too often the primary care provider (PCP) is missing from the cancer care team. Without the PCP, it can sometimes be a challenge to turn the focus back to other, very preventable, threats to well-being. The PCP focuses on a broad range of health issues, like blood pressure and weight management and can help patients avoid becoming progressively frail. In other words, the PCP can help prevent a heart attack or the loss of independence in those living with and surviving a diagnosis of cancer. The Duke Cancer Institute is working on several projects with affiliated centers such as Wilson Medical Center, to make sure that a patient’s PCP is an active member of the cancer team with the common goal of helping cancer survivors, from day one, have a longer, healthier, and more productive life.

Everyone benefits from close contact with a primary care provider, whether for routine vaccinations or care for sudden or chronic illness. PCP’s can help keep the focus on preventing illness that threatens our patients’ wellbeing during and long after cancer is diagnosed.  

If you need a primary care provider, call Wilson Medical Center's Physician Referral Line at 800.424.DOCS (3627) to get connected with one today.

This article was contributed by Duke Cancer Network and co-authored by Kevin Oeffinger, MD, Director, Supportive Care & Survivorship Center and Director, Onco-Primary Care; and Linda M. Sutton, MD, Duke Cancer Network, Medical Director. To learn more about our cancer care services and affiliation with Duke Cancer Network, visit WilsonMedical.com/cancer-care-services.