The development and flux of the University of Minnesota Survivorship Program: progress, challenges, and opportunities

Abstract

For the past 30 years, the University of Minnesota’s Cancer Survivorship Program has been dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients who have lived the cancer experience. Our model is consultative, risk-stratified, and oncologist-led but executed predominately by advanced practice providers. Care is personalized and serves three survivor populations: children, adults, and patients who received BMT with over 500 new patients evaluated annually. As guidelines and survivorship standards have changed, our clinical programs have evolved from a focus on survivorship care plans to supportive care. The program offers a wide range of supportive services from acupuncture to nutritional services as well as several educational programs for patients. The program has a strong research legacy, notably as the birthplace of research that led to the Children’s Oncology Group Guidelines as well as advancements in cardio-oncology and frailty after bone marrow transplantation. In 2021, we hosted the first annual Survivorship Research Forum, providing the opportunity and space for experts across disciplines to exchange ideas on a broad range of survivorship topics not possible at other national cancer-related conferences. With successes and challenges, we have identified opportunities for growth as our program continues to evolve and grow in our goal to improve cancer outcomes along a wide spectrum of physical, emotional, functional, and social dimensions.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThe University of Minnesota Cancer Survivorship Program provides care, education, and research opportunities for patients across the cancer continuum.