Most cancer survivors leave the care of their cancer doctors or surgeons and return to their primary-care physicians when they reach a specific stage of recovery or the five-year survival mark, depending on the type of diagnosis and treatment. Because they may see a doctor who is unaware of their previous cancer experience or who may know little about it, it is vitally important for survivors to develop a long-term follow-up plan with their cancer doctor before transitioning to a primary-care setting.

• Video: Exercise your mind and body to fend of Alzheimer's

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• Office of Cancer Survivorship
• Congenital Heart Information Network: C.H.I.N. is an international organization that provides reliable information, support services, and resources to families affected my congenital heart disease
• National Cancer Institute
• A National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship: Advancing Public Health Strategies, 2004, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lance Armstrong Foundation
• Translating Research into Cancer Care: Delivering on the Promise, The President's Cancer Panel: Annual Report for 2004-2005
• From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition, 2005, from the Institute of Medicine

This plan should include information about:

• the cancer diagnosis
• the treatment
• potential consequences of the cancer and treatment
• recommendations for the timing of follow-up visits
• the kinds of tests that should be performed during the visits

This information helps primary-care physicians understand whether the issues they may deal with are routine or related to a survivor's cancer, in which case it may be appropriate for the survivor to check back in with a cancer doctor. For example, if a survivor has been treated with a chemotherapy such as doxorubicin or with radiation therapy, the plan would note that there is a moderate risk of heart problems.

Each plan should be tailored to the individual, taking into account the cancer itself (its type and stage and its grade and molecular characteristics), the survivor's overall health (including his or her age and any other disorders or syndromes he or she might have), and the treatment (including, timing, dosage, and duration). The plan also might offer tips for staying healthy and preventing recurrences or secondary cancers.

Survivors also need to know their legal rights regarding employment and insurance, and about psychological and support services that might be available to them.

This section has more on guidelines for long-term follow-up care.