Well being among cancer survivors

Abstract

These are all well meaning statements that many cancer survivors have heard over the years. It is likely that some of us have said a few of them to our patients at least once! Do these statements really help improve a survivor’s well being? Not a chance. Health care for cancer survivors needs to develop a better understanding of the epidemiology of long term and late health effects and concomitant well being among cancer survivors so it can provide evidence based communication and effective interventions. We need to understand the impact of various biological, environmental and behavioral exposures on health, behavioral health and functional outcomes in many types of cancers that impact a cancer survivor’s overall health and sense of well being. With this information we will be better informed to develop effective approaches that can really improve well being in cancer survivors and in the future prevent distress and negative health effects from ever occurring. What do we know about well being among cancer survivors? What does research and practice tell us about well being among cancer survivors over time? There is a pressing need to develop a better comprehensive understanding of well being among cancer survivors. The Journal welcomes sound theoretical, systematic and/or meta analytic reviews as well as unique qualitative studies that clarify the many dimensions of well being among cancer survivors. Also, research that addresses factors that impact well being and its measurement are welcome. The Journal is also calling for evidence based studies that are directed at improving dimensions of well being over the long run during all phases of cancer survivorship. While this information is emerging at present it only provides us with first steps. There is a need to push the envelope...to go beyond existing conceptual frameworks, research efforts and interventions so that cancer survivors whose well being is currently affected by symptoms, general health status, recurrence of tumors, discrimination in the workplace, changes in relationships to name a few are truly helped over the long run. Once there is an evidence based foundation for novel approaches they really need to enter conventional health care practice. This is no small accomplishment and cannot be ignored. We also need evidence based policy and health services research to provide data on the operational feasibility and cost implications of such innovations. It is a “long and winding road” but one where millions can benefit from our efforts along the way. Submit your work to this journal and help make this a reality. J Cancer Surviv (2007) 1:107 DOI 10.1007/s11764-007-0020-3