Print this Page
Breast Cancer Survivor Clinic
Topics in This Section
Request an appointment online or call 215-728-3001
- Let's be strong together. Please join us in our relentless pursuit to prevail over cancer for all women everywhere.
at the Fox Chase Cancer Center Women's Cancer Center
When does
Survivorship Care begin?
You are a cancer survivor from your diagnosis through the rest of your life.
Your care at Fox Chase does not end when you finish your cancer treatment.
It just has a different focus.
Survivorship care is a distinct phase of cancer treatment. Care focuses on your past diagnosis of cancer, any lasting effects of treatment, and preventive care to improve future
health and quality of life. Most cancer survivors will go on to lead healthy and active lives after treatment, but some can face physical, emotional, and practical challenges.
Your care at Fox Chase does not end when you finish your cancer treatment. It just has a different focus. Our Survivorship Program was created to help with the specific needs and concerns of survivors who have completed treatment.
What are the benefts of Survivorship Care?
- Medical care, including cancer surveillance and management of any effects of treatment
- The chance to take part in survivorship research to improve care for future survivors
- Education on issues and needs during life after treatment
- Coordinated care among your cancer doctors and other health care providers
Who provides Survivorship Care at Fox Chase?
Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) provide care in our Survivorship Clinics. APCs are Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners. They are important members of your cancer health care team. They are able to do physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order tests, write prescriptions and make referrals.
APCs Linda Sesa, CRNP, MSN, AOCNP and Kathryn Tumelty, MSN, AOCNP work closely with your doctors and nurses to provide you with the best care.
The doctors who treated you for your cancer will still be your doctors, and will oversee the care you get from your APC in the Survivor Clinic.
What happens during a Survivorship Clinic visit?
Survivorship Clinics provide follow-up care to help you live a healthy life. Breast Cancer Survivor Clinic sessions are held every Thursday.
A session includes:
- Complete medical history and physical exam
- Review of all lab tests, x-rays, and other study results
- Complete check to look for the return of cancer
- Care for the late and long-term effects of cancer treatment
- Counseling about genetic risk of cancer
- Tips for healthy living and wellness (such as nutrition, exercise, or quitting smoking.)
- Advice on screening tests for other cancers as needed (breast, colon, cervical, prostate)
- Referrals to other specialists and resources as needed
- A personal survivorship care plan to fit your needs
When does Survivorship Care begin?
You are a cancer survivor from the time of your diagnosis throughout the rest of your life.
Most of the time, you can be referred to the survivorship program two years or more after you finish your active cancer treatment. Your doctor will talk with you about the program when you are ready.
