Fitzhugh Mullen, a physician, author, and cancer survivor, was among the first, in 1985, to discuss the cancer journey as occurring in stages. Since then, others also have described the stages cancer patients typically go through. Most break it down into some version of the three basic stages outlined below by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lance Armstrong Foundation and presented in the "National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship: Advancing Public Health Strategies" in 2004:

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• 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

Living with cancer refers to the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis and any treatment that may follow. During this time, patients may be offered treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as well as medications to manage side effects of the treatments. Many are asked whether they would like to join a clinical trial, in which new cancer drugs and treatments are studied. They also may be offered services to help them and their caregivers cope with their emotional and practical concerns.

Living through cancer refers to the period following treatment in which patients are at a relatively high risk of a recurrence of their cancer. At this stage, many patients are relieved that treatment is over but anxious about the fact that they no longer see their cancer doctor on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. During this stage, patients typically see their cancer doctor every three, four, or six months, depending on their circumstances.

Living beyond cancer refers to post-treatment and long-term survivorship. Fully two thirds of cancer survivors say their lives return to what they knew before they had cancer. One in three, however, says that physical, psychosocial, or financial consequences continue. During this stage, most survivors no longer consult with their cancer doctor on a regular basis. Ideally, they will have developed a plan for their ongoing healthcare with their cancer doctor, but at this point see an internist or general practitioner, who oversees its implementation.