Cancer Survivorship

Since 1971, the number of cancer survivors in the United States has tripled, and is growing by 2 percent each year. As of 2005, there were 10.7 million cancer survivors, who now comprise 3.5 percent of the U.S. population. The burgeoning numbers reflect improvements throughout the cancer continuum, including early detection, supportive care, and therapeutic approaches. This special issue of "Hematology and Oncology Clinics of North America" builds on the considerable momentum that cancer survivorship has gained over the last twenty years. Included herein are current statistics on U.S. cancer survivors; new paradigms in the follow-up care of cancer survivors; and specific recommendations for the follow-up of survivors of childhood cancer, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.This issue also describes selected sequelae of cancer treatment, including second primary cancers, cardio-pulmonary toxicity, and infertility. A separate manuscript is devoted to the evolving field of the molecular genetics of cancer survivorship.Other articles discuss the promotion of healthy lifestyles among cancer survivors, the application of integrative and complementary therapies, and the existence of advocacy organizations and support systems.