Cancer Survivors Face Ongoing Health Risks; Advocates Push for Post-Treatment Care Plans

In the U.S., around 18.6 million cancer survivors, representing over 5% of the population, are dealing with ongoing health issues from their treatments, yet many don’t have access to specialized follow-up care. Kara Kenan, a survivor and marketing director at Cancer Nation in North Carolina, encountered a serious problem when her doctor missed a high alkaline phosphatase level that could indicate liver issues. A survey in 2025 found that just 36% of cancer patients have a survivorship care plan, despite recommendations from a 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine. Alex Adjei from Cleveland Clinic is developing integrated services for young adults with genetic damage. Cancer Nation is pushing for new legislation to ensure Medicare covers these care plans. Patricia Ganz from UCLA notes that many doctors aren’t trained in long-term care for survivors. Meanwhile, Michelle Mollica from Hollings Cancer Center points out that while patients celebrate finishing treatment, they often lack necessary ongoing support. By 2035, the number of cancer survivors is expected to exceed 22 million.