Information
To learn more about cancer survivorship research at Sylvester, please call 305-243-3329 or
email Survivorship Research.
The more you know about what to expect with your cancer diagnosis, the better you can take control of your health and well-being for a lifetime.
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, we make sure you and your family have all the information you need to make well-informed health decisions. Sylvester's Survivorship and Supportive Care Services Institute offers you ongoing care and support to let you feel your best.
What is cancer survivorship?What is a survivorship care plan?
When can I receive Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Services?
When should I make my first survivorship program appointment?
What do I need to do to make my first survivorship program appointment?
What can I expect during my first survivorship visit?
Will my health insurance cover my survivorship visit?
Will my cancer care transfer from my oncologist to a survivorship provider?
What is cancer survivorship research?
Why does survivorship research matter to you?
Why might my care team ask me to take part in survivorship research?
How can I get more information about Sylvester's adult survivorship program?
What is cancer survivorship?
If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you are a cancer survivor. Survivorship begins when you're diagnosed and extends through treatment, recovery, and beyond – whether you are free of cancer or receiving ongoing treatment. Survivorship care ensures you feel your best by supporting your health, well-being, and quality of life.
What is a survivorship care plan?
Your survivorship care plan is a personalized plan that gives you and all your healthcare providers a written document that details your cancer treatments. Your care plan provides a treatment summary and recommendations for follow-up care and cancer screening, attention to lifestyle factors (like diet and exercise), late- and long-term effects of treatment, financial concerns, sexual health, emotional well-being, rehabilitation, education, and more.
When can I receive Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Services?
Our adult survivorship program is for people who have finished their first course of cancer treatment. It is open to adults with any type of cancer, including colon, breast, lung, and many others.
In this program, you can receive care that is tailored to your specific cancer and your personal needs. These services are available over time to help you manage side effects, keep track of your health, and support your physical and emotional well-being as you move forward after treatment.
When should I make my first survivorship program appointment?
You can make your first survivorship appointment soon after completing your first cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, or oncologic treatment). Even if you're still receiving treatment, such as hormonal therapies for breast or prostate cancer, you're welcome in our program.
What do I need to do to make my first survivorship program appointment?
You will need a referral from your oncology care provider, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or physician, to schedule an appointment with our adult survivorship program. If you have not received a referral, let your oncology provider know, they can help get this started for you.
You may also contact our survivorship team directly by calling (305) 243-4922 or emailing SCCCSurvivorship@miami.edu. We are happy to help you with the process.
What can I expect during my first survivorship visit?
Your survivorship visits focus on keeping you healthy and feeling your best – both physically and emotionally. During your first appointment, our team will:
- Learn about your health history and review your cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Talk about side effects you may have and create a plan to manage them
- Review your cancer risk and recommend the right cancer screenings
- Discuss ways to improve your health such as healthy eating, exercise, weight management, and help with quitting tobacco
- Share emotional support options, including one-on-one counseling and support groups
- Provide information about local and national cancer organizations for your specific cancer
- Create a personalized survivorship care plan to share with you and your healthcare team
Will my health insurance cover my survivorship visit?
Most insurance providers cover survivorship care. Call us at 305-243-4922 or email us at SCCCSURVIVORSHIP@miami.edu to learn more. We are happy to answer your questions.
Will my cancer care transfer from my oncologist to a survivorship provider?
No. You will continue to see your oncologist as needed. Our survivorship program works alongside your cancer care team to support you. Survivorship services are meant to add to your care and may include support groups, education, and special events.
What is cancer survivorship research?
Cancer survivorship research looks at how cancer and its treatment affect people after treatment ends. As a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center, we work to improve life after cancer through both care and research.
Our cancer survivorship research:
- Studies the physical, emotional, and financial effects of cancer and its treatment
- Looks at how survivors receive care, including access to services and follow-up care
- Focuses on health, well-being, and daily life after active treatment
- Aims to prevent or manage side effects and lower the risk of cancer coming back
- Helps us better understand symptoms so we can improve follow-up care and long-term health
Why does survivorship research matter to you?
Survivorship research helps us understand what people need after cancer treatment. It guides us in improving care, managing side effects, and supporting your physical and emotional health. This research helps your care team provide better follow-up care so you can live as well as possible after cancer.
Why might my care team ask me to take part in survivorship research?
Your care team may ask you to join a research study to help improve care for cancer survivors. Taking part is always your choice. If you are invited, your team will explain the study, what it involves, and answer your questions. Saying no will not affect your care in any way.
How can I get more information about Sylvester's adult survivorship program?
If you'd like more information about our survivorship program or you're interested in upcoming survivorship events, email us at SCCCSURVIVORSHIP@miami.edu.
