Massachusetts Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition Plan 2006-2011:
Survivorship

Cancer survivor is a phrase that is first used when a person is diagnosed with cancer. It refers to those who have been diagnosed with cancer and the people in their lives who are affected by the diagnosis. This includes family members, friends, and caregivers. Cancer survivorship continues during treatment and throughout their lives. Today, because of progress in medicine, more than half of all cancer survivors are living at least 5 years after their diagnosis (CDC-LAF). Cancer survivors sometimes face many difficult physical, emotional, and financial challenges. For example, some cancer survivors have lost jobs because they were unable to work. Others were turned down for health insurance (CDC-LAF, 2004).

In Massachusetts, survivor groups such as the New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and the Wellness Community provide members with a variety of support services. In addition, patient navigator programs are being developed around the Commonwealth in hospitals and through voluntary organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Patient navigator programs are designed to help survivors through the complex medical system. Our challenge is to identify which programs and services best meet survivors’ needs.

Coalition members have made quality of life for cancer survivors a priority. This section of the statewide action plan includes strategies to collect more information about Massachusetts survivors and their needs. The information will be shared with cancer survivors, policy makers, employers and others in the public health, medical and business communities. Strategies to improve cancer survivor education and empowerment are also outlined in the plan.

Goals: Ensure that all of the Commonwealth cancer survivors have equal access to information, and follow-up medical, rehabilitative and psychosocial services.

Target Measures:

• Support the development of interventions, such as the patient navigator programs, to ensure that all Commonwealth residents—specifically those in low social economic groups—get the assistance they require.
• Develop and maintain patient navigation systems that can facilitate optimum care for cancer survivors.
• Add a question or questions to the BRFSS that specifically addresses the number of people diagnosed with cancer in Massachusetts.
• Design, implement, publish, and disseminate a study that presents insight on
the experiences of cancer survivors in Massachusetts; include disparities, work,
economic, and psychosocial issues.
• Encourage the development and dissemination of public education programs that empower cancer survivors to make informed and shared decisions.
• Support efforts to educate survivors on the importance of good nutrition and physical activity.