The VICC Cancer Survivorship Program
Cancer Survivorship Defined
In cancer, survivorship covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, from diagnosis until the end of life. It includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life.
Advances in cancer screening, early detection, and more successful cancer treatments have led to increased survival rates in the cancer patient population. With an estimated 10.1 million cancer survivors amongst the adult and pediatric populations in the United States, VICC is committed to providing long-term medical and psychosocial care to these individuals. Through research, clinical services and educational and outreach initiatives (in collaboration with community partners), VICC is focusing on the spectrum of challenges that survivors face as they live with cancer as a chronic disease.
Research
Survivorship research is a primary link to understanding and reducing the effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for cancer survivors and their families. Cancer survivorship research activities at VICC range from determining the specific late effects of certain treatments to assessing the quality of life of pediatric and adult cancer survivors.
Survivorship Clinic
VICC and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital have developed a comprehensive cancer survivorship/ late-effects program for survivors of adult onset and childhood cancer. The quality of care and comprehensiveness of services will meet the needs and concerns of cancer survivors as they continue their lives post-treatment.
Survivor Education and Outreach
The VICC strives to empower cancer survivors throughout the cancer care continuum through communication, education, and outreach initiatives. Educational and support programs are offered via:
