Survivorship Care Plan: Your Roadmap After Cancer Treatment

Finishing chemo, radiation, or surgery is a big win, but the next step often feels vague. A survivorship care plan (SCP) fills that gap. It’s a written summary that tells you what happened, what to watch for, and who to call. Think of it as a personal health cheat‑sheet that travels with you from the oncology office to your regular doctor.

Key Parts of a Survivorship Care Plan

Most SCPs have three sections. First, a treatment summary lists the type of cancer, dates of surgery, chemo drugs, radiation doses, and any clinical trials. This helps any new doctor understand what your body has been through.

Second, a follow‑up schedule outlines when you need scans, blood tests, or physical exams. It also flags the recommended frequency for each test, so you don’t have to guess or miss an appointment.

Third, a list of possible late effects and lifestyle tips. Late effects are side‑effects that can appear months or years later, like fatigue, heart changes, or hormonal shifts. The plan gives practical advice—exercise suggestions, nutrition pointers, and when to seek help.

How to Create and Use Your Plan

Start by asking your oncology team for an SCP before your last treatment visit. Many hospitals have templates you can fill out together. If your clinic doesn’t offer one, you can use free online tools from cancer societies; just plug in your treatment details.

Once you have the document, share it with your primary care physician. This ensures they can monitor you without needing to call the oncology office for every question. Keep a printed copy in a folder and a digital version on your phone for quick reference.

Use the follow‑up calendar as a reminder. Set alerts in your phone or a paper planner. If a test is due and you feel fine, still go—early detection of recurrence or a new health issue can save lives.

Finally, review the plan every six months. Treatments evolve, and your health needs may change. Update medication lists, add new side‑effect concerns, and adjust lifestyle goals. A living document stays useful.

Having an SCP puts you in control of your post‑cancer life. It reduces the anxiety of “what comes next” and gives your doctors a clear picture of your health journey. If you haven’t asked for one yet, now’s a good time. Talk to your care team, get the plan, and start using it to stay healthy and informed.