Oncology News Central (ONC)Is It Time for a New Type of Cancer Physician?

🎓 Expert Commentary / Peer Perspective

A podcast/video conversation between Drs. Robert Figlin and Sunita Puri examines the rapidly expanding population of cancer survivors and the challenges of delivering longitudinal survivorship care. The discussion highlights persistent physical symptoms, psychological distress, identity changes, family effects, and survivorship-related quality-of-life concerns. The speakers argue that current medical training often provides limited exposure to survivorship care and suggest that oncology, palliative care, and health systems may need new educational and workforce models to meet growing demand.

Professional Impact

• Cancer survivorship was discussed as beginning at diagnosis, consistent with National Cancer Institute framing.
• Participants highlighted ongoing needs involving symptom burden, emotional health, family support, and fear of recurrence after treatment completion.
• Current physician training was described as emphasizing acute disease management rather than long-term survivorship care.
• Expanded use of interdisciplinary resources, including support groups, palliative care teams, and survivorship programs, was emphasized.
• The discussion raised the possibility of future survivorship-focused clinical expertise or dedicated survivorship physicians as survivor populations continue to grow.
• Health systems may face increasing demand for survivorship services as advances in oncology therapies improve long-term outcomes.

Action Items

• Review survivorship-care resources available within oncology practices and cancer centers.
• Evaluate opportunities to incorporate survivorship education into oncology and palliative care training programs.
• Monitor emerging workforce models designed to support long-term cancer survivors.
• Discuss survivorship goals, quality-of-life concerns, and support needs earlier in the cancer journey.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary referral pathways for psychosocial care, support groups, and symptom management services.