ABSTRACT
The definition of survivorship is evolving within the field of psychooncology and oncology nursing (Ferszt & Waldman, 1997). Typically a cancer patient is considered a “survivor” if he or she is still living five years after diagnosis (American Cancer Society [ACS], 1998; Leigh, 1992). This can mean living disease-free, in remission, or even still receiving cancer treatment (ACS, 1998). Other definitions of survivorship have also been used, including being disease-free and off treatment for at least one year (Kornblith, 1998). A broader definition of survivorship has been proposed by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS): “From the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life, a person diagnosed with cancer is a survivor.” In addition, survivors also include any persons who have been affected by cancer other than the patient, such as all family members (Leigh, 1992). Although there are many definitions of survivorship, for the purposes of organization our definition begins after treatment completion and extends into the five-year survival period and beyond. In addition, issues of rehabilitation, recovery, and survivorship have many commonalities. However, the amount of time since diagnosis is the key factor, with recovery and rehabilitation taking place months after treatment and treatment completion, and survivorship beginning at least one year after treatment completion (Kornblith, 1998).
