Survivorship Program
Survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis. At the Lifespan Cancer Institute, we are committed to the health and well-being of our patients during and after treatment. We know that cancer can affect every aspect of your life.
Your Treatment Journey
Treatment doesn’t stop when one of our patients leaves the hospital. The Lifespan Cancer Institute gives all patients an individualized assessment of their health at the end of treatment so that they are better able to adjust to life’s challenges at home, at work, and in their communities.
Cancer Care Plan
Patients receive a treatment summary and care plan that documents the cancer treatments they received and provides recommendations for ongoing monitoring and care. All who have been treated for cancer in any of the center’s areas of specialty are eligible for the cancer care plan.
A provider trained in cancer survivorship strategies meets with patients to discuss their cancer diagnosis and treatment and how cancer has impacted the rhythms of their life.
These comprehensive visits may include nutrition counseling, exercise recommendations, stress management strategies, advice on cancer surveillance and risk reduction, and other topics such as sexuality and reproductive concerns. The provider may make referrals or recommendations to other specialists, resources, and physical therapy, as needed.
Our Mission and Goals
The goal of the survivorship program is to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of cancer patients by addressing their physical, psychological, and health-education needs.
We team with primary care physicians as well as the staff at Lifespan hospitals and other community resources to ensure we address all aspects of survivorship.
Our mission is to help patients better understand their treatment and its aftermath. We guide survivors through adjustment to the post-treatment phase as they resume living healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our Team
Christine Duffy, MD, MPH, is the director of the Adult Cancer Survivorship Program at the Lifespan Cancer Institute. Her clinical and research interests include the reproductive health of young women with breast cancer and the primary care of cancer survivors. Dr. Duffy and Camille Higel-McGovern, NP, have special expertise in guiding cancer survivors on their journey to well-being.