Follow-Up Care for Breast and Colorectal Cancer Across the Globe: Survey Findings From 27 Countries

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe follow-up care for breast and colorectal cancer survivors in countries with varying levels of resources and highlight challenges regarding posttreatment survivorship care. METHODS We surveyed one key stakeholder from each of 27 countries with expertise in survivorship care on questions including the components/structure of follow-up care, delivery of treatment summaries and survivorship care plans, and involvement of primary care in survivorship. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize results across countries and variations between the WHO income categories (low, middle, high). We also performed a qualitative content analysis of narratives related to survivorship care challenges to identify major themes. RESULTS Seven low- or /lower-middle-income countries (LIC/LMIC), seven upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), and 13 high-income countries (HICs) were included in this study. Results indicate that 44.4% of countries with a National Cancer Control Plan currently address survivorship care. Additional findings indicate that HICs use guidelines more often than those in LICs/LMICs and UMICs. There was great variation among countries regardless of income level. Common challenges include issues with workforce, communication and care coordination, distance/transportation issues, psychosocial support, and lack of focus on follow-up care. CONCLUSION This information can guide researchers, providers, and policy makers in efforts to improve the quality of survivorship care on a national and global basis. As the number of cancer survivors increases globally, countries will need to prioritize their long-term needs. Future efforts should focus on efforts to bridge oncology and primary care, building international partnerships, and implementation of guidelines.

Cancer Survivorship in Latin America: Current Status and Opportunities

“…16 As emphasized in the US literature, although additional effort is needed across all prevalent cancers, Latin American studies should expand focus on other cancer types and domains of survivorship care. 17 We found the largest number of studies in Brazil. Brazilian health care is heterogeneous; structured and wellequipped cancer centers are located mostly in the southeast and southern states.…”

Developing personalized survivorship care pathways in the United States: Existing resources and remaining challenges

“…As we proceed with rigorously cataloging and adapting existing interventions and resources in the development of personalized survivorship care pathways, US efforts will benefit from collaboration with experts currently implementing this model in other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as countries implementing other delivery models (eg, nurse‐led or rehabilitation‐focused) 74,75 . Developing an international survivorship working group could facilitate knowledge sharing between countries.…”

Now we are 30: 10 more years of MASCC

“…Supportive care of survivors has intensified as survival with stage IV disease increases [ 5 ]. Palliative care is also accepted as mainstream, which can contribute to the quality of life in dying patients and also improves quality of life when applied earlier.…”