One-Year Experience Managing a Cancer Survivorship Clinic Using a Shared-Care Model for Gastric Cancer Survivors in Korea

Abstract

Given the rapid growth of the population of cancer survivors, increased attention has been paid to their health problems. Although gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers, empirical evidence of survivorship care is limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the health care status of gastric cancer survivors and to report the experience of using the shared-care model during a one-year experience at the cancer survivorship clinic in Seoul National University Hospital. This is a descriptive, single-center study of 250 long-term gastric cancer survivors who were referred to the survivorship clinic. The status of their health behaviors, comorbid conditions, secondary cancer screenings, and survivorship care status were investigated through questionnaires and examining the medical records. Among the survivors, 7.2% were current smokers, 8.8% were at-risk drinkers, and 32.4% were physically inactive. Among the patients who did not know their bone density status, the majority were in the osteopenic (37.1%) or osteoporotic range (24.1%). Screening among the eligible population within the recommended time intervals were 76.3% for colorectal cancer, but only 13.6% for lung cancer. All of the survivors were provided with counseling and medical management at the survivorship clinic, as appropriate. In conclusion, Long-term gastric cancer survivors have various unmet needs. Shared-care through survivorship clinics can be an effective solution for providing comprehensive care to cancer survivors.

Risky Lifestyle Behaviors among Gastric Cancer Survivors Compared with Matched Non-cancer Controls: Results from Baseline Result of Community Based Cohort Study

“…However, the prevalence of physical inactivity was higher (55.8%) and it was not better than cancer-free controls. The prevalence of these health behaviors in gastric cancer survivors from this nationwide study was similar to that from a single survivorship center [ 13 ]. Regarding smoking, our results were similar to the American Cancer Society’s study results: 91.6% of cancer survivors adhered to the smoking recommendation [ 14 ].…”

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis in Gastric Cancer Survivors Compared to General Population Control: A Study with Representative Korean Population

“…Among the general population, screening rates for osteoporosis are as low as 56% in women and 38% in men [29]. Furthermore, 88.4% of gastric cancer survivors are unaware of the status of their bone health [30], despite the recommendations of the American Gastroenterology Association [31]. In other words, both physicians and patients appear to be generally unaware of the risks of osteoporosis in gastric cancer survivors.…”

The Effectiveness of Shared Care in Cancer Survivors—A Systematic Review

“…Cancer survivors are vulnerable to suffering from second cancer and comorbid chronic conditions with advanced age [34]. Historically, most cancer patients were followed up by hospital specialists [56].…”