Cancer Survivorship Program

Our survivorship care team transitions you from the intensive cancer treatment process to a focus on general well-being. We will work with you to help reduce your cancer risk and manage any long-term effects your cancer treatments may cause.

Follow-up care after cancer treatment

After completing cancer treatment, you may find it’s a “new” kind of normal. The physical and emotional impact of cancer and its treatments can bring about changes over a lifetime. To address these changes, regular follow-up care is important for survivors. 

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers survivorship care to support the whole patient — mind, body and spirit. 

Survivorship care transitions you from the intensive cancer treatment process to a focus on general well-being. A nurse practitioner specialized in cancer survivorship will work with you and your primary oncologist to develop a personalized follow-up care plan to help ensure you are living your best life after cancer. 

You may see us every few months for several years, depending on the type of cancer you had and your ongoing health needs, but survivorship is a lifetime goal. At these visits, the nurse practitioner will monitor your health with a plan that includes:

• Regular physical exams and appropriate cancer screenings
• Monitoring for early detection of new or returning cancers
• Management of cancer and treatment-related side effects 
• Lifestyle guidance and tips to help reduce cancer risk 
• Open discussion to address your concerns

We stay in contact with your primary care provider about your follow-up care and any new developments in your health. It’s important that you continue to see them for your ongoing general health care.

If you do not have a primary care provider, our team can help connect you with one. 

Physical effects of cancer and its treatment

Cancer and its treatments can produce side effects that show up months or even years later. Tell us about any new and ongoing signs or symptoms so that we can address them promptly. Learn more about the physical effects of cancer.

Social and emotional impacts of cancer

After focusing on your cancer treatment for so long, you may be dealing with social, psychological and emotional challenges. Our mental health professionals offer therapy and medicine management help you enjoy life and get back to the activities you love. Learn more about the social and emotional impacts of cancer.

Managing risk after cancer

After cancer, you may have a weakened immune system making it more difficult for your body to fight germs. You are also still at risk for common health issues, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, that can impact your long-term wellness. 

But there are many things you can do to manage these risks. Learn more about managing risk after cancer.

Legal and financial counseling

Cancer can take a toll on your finances, from treatment costs and travel expenses to work issues. Financial stress may affect your recovery after cancer treatment. Our financial counselors and social workers can help.

We review your out-of-pocket costs, travel and other expenses to help find ways to save money or cover costs. We can also help you navigate health care exchanges to see if a different health insurance plan could save you money.

Additional resources for cancer survivors

Programs for cancer survivors include:

• The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program provides tailored support and services to patients age 15 to 39 years old. 
• Living Beyond Cancer from A to Z is our annual symposium for people with cancer, cancer survivors, and their loved ones and caregivers. Sessions cover general cancer-related topics, specific cancer types and support services. 
• The Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Mays Cancer Center provides health care and supportive services designed for children. 
• Thrive Well Cancer Foundation provides funding for cancer research and offers programs to help improve patient’s quality of life.
• Livestrong is dedicated to helping patients, caregivers and survivors with community support and resources.

Care location

Zeller Building

• 1st Floor