The importance of comprehensive cancer survivorship care plans in general practice.

Background: The number of people living with or beyond cancer are expected to rise. General practice-led cancer survivorship plans have been proposed as a way to address ongoing healthcare needs (including physical and psychosocial care) and care coordination, as well as the prevention and management of other chronic illnesses.
Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of general practice in the long-term care of cancer survivors and provide a summary of recommendations for comprehensive cancer survivorship care planning in general practice.
Discussion: General practice provides cancer survivors with ongoing support within their community from pre-diagnosis onwards. It is recommended that comprehensive cancer survivorship care plans include the cancer treatment summary and follow-up care planning; the management of other comorbid chronic conditions; health promotion and disease prevention with tailoring to shared goals; and the cancer survivor's unique situation.