an occupational therapist does resistance band exercises with a patient

Survivorship Clinical Care

At MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, we recognize that a diagnosis of cancer impacts every aspect of life. The transition from getting you healthy through active cancer treatment to keeping you healthy through post-treatment care is critical to your long-term health.

While improvement in the rates of overall cancer survival is very encouraging, survivors may face physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial challenges because of their diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors and their caregivers, Hollings provides patient-centered clinical care and comprehensive support services informed by cutting-edge research through its Survivorship and Cancer Outcomes Research (SCOR) Initiative.

graphic showing cancer survivor growth from 18 million in 2021 to 22 million in 2030 to 26 million in 2040

Responding to the need

In 2021, there were 18 million cancer survivors in the United States. This number is expected to grow to 26 million by 2040. Two out of three cancer survivors are now alive more than 5 years after their diagnosis, and two out of three cancer survivors are now above the age of 65. It is increasingly recognized that this growing population has unique and complex health care needs.

Supportive Care Services for Survivors

Following state-of-the-art cancer treatments, we assist patients and their caregivers in dealing with the physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of cancer survivorship. As research progresses and suggests better ways of doing things, we adjust our treatments and services to make sure our survivors are continually getting the best care possible.

Health and Wellness Promotion Services

As cancer survivors continue to live longer after their diagnosis, there is a corresponding increased need to focus on lifestyle and health behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, and smoking cessation. Through its variety of health and wellness promotion services, Hollings ensures that survivors receive the important lifestyle programs necessary to enhance health.

Survivorship Clinics

Hollings' survivorship clinics provide comprehensive care to patients upon the completion of their cancer treatment.

Dedicated providers assess each patient individually utilizing a holistic approach in consideration of all treatments received, current health habits, as well as physical and emotional well-being. Focus is placed on any symptoms the patient may be experiencing while also providing education about potential late and long-term effects associated with treatment.

The Hollings survivorship team is dedicated to addressing all survivorship needs including cancer screenings, future health risks, as well as referrals to other supportive care services when necessary. Hollings’ collaborative care team approach allows for individualized cancer treatment summaries as well as thoughtful care plans for moving forward. We currently have survivorship clinics for the following cancers:

pink cancer ribbon representing breast cancer

Breast Cancer

dark blue cancer ribbon representing gastrointestinal cancer 

Gastrointestinal Cancer

teal colored ribbon representing gynecologic cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

burgandy and white cancer ribbon representing head and neck cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

dark yellow cancer ribbon representing pediatric cancer

Pediatric/AYA Cancer

Support Groups

Often the greatest comfort can be found in community – talking with others who are going through a similar situation. Hollings keeps an updated list of support groups that provide opportunities for connecting with others. Meeting times and locations are subject to change – please reach out to the support group directly to confirm these details.

More about SCOR

Give to SCOR

Your support helps us develop innovative strategies to improve quality of life for cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Get in touch

For more information about SCOR,
please contact:
Willie Schaub
Administrative Coordinator
Survivorship and Cancer Outcomes Research
schaub@musc.edu

For direct inquiries about research or scientific opportunities, please contact:
Evan Graboyes, M.D., MPH, FACS
Director
Survivorship and Cancer Outcomes Research
graboyes@musc.edu