The short answer
A survivorship care plan is a written document with two parts: a summary of the cancer treatment you received, and a plan for what comes next — follow-up visits, tests, possible late effects to watch for, and healthy-living guidance. It helps you and every future doctor understand your history and stay on top of follow-up. You can ask your care team to create one as treatment ends.
It has two parts: a treatment summary and a follow-up plan.
It lists your diagnosis, treatments, follow-up schedule, and late effects to watch for.
It helps future doctors — including primary care — coordinate your care.
You can request one from your care team as treatment wraps up.
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The full explanation.
The short answer
A survivorship care plan is a written document in two parts: a summary of the treatment you received and a plan for follow-up care. It helps you — and any future doctor — understand your history and keep up with monitoring. You can ask your team to create one as treatment ends.
What it typically includes
The treatment summary:
- Your diagnosis (type, stage, key features)
- Treatments received — surgery, chemotherapy drugs, radiation, and other therapies
- Dates and, where relevant, doses
The follow-up plan:
- Which visits and tests you'll need, and how often
- Late effects to watch for, based on your specific treatment
- Symptoms that should prompt a call
- Healthy-living and support guidance
- Who is responsible for which part of your care
Why it helps
Treatment details fade from memory but can matter for years — certain drugs and radiation carry specific long-term considerations. A written plan lets any clinician understand your history at a glance and keeps follow-up from slipping through the cracks, especially as care shifts toward primary care.
How to get one
Ask your oncology team, ideally as treatment is ending. If a full formal plan isn't available, even a treatment summary plus a clear follow-up schedule is valuable. Keep a copy, and share it with your primary-care doctor.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Do I really need a written plan?
It's genuinely useful. Years later, details of your exact drugs, doses, or radiation fields are hard to remember but can matter for your health. A written plan means any doctor can pick up your history and follow-up needs without guesswork.
▸Who keeps track of follow-up — my oncologist or my regular doctor?
It varies, and that's exactly why the plan helps. Some follow-up moves to primary care over time. The plan spells out who does what, so nothing falls through the cracks. Ask your team to make the hand-off clear.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
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Your next step
Build a list to bring to survivorship appointments.
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