The number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is expected to surpass 22.1 million by 2030. While completing cancer treatment is a major milestone, many survivors face long-term health challenges, including lingering side effects and an increased risk of developing a second primary cancer. Because oncology visits become less frequent after treatment, primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in survivorship care. However, many PCPs report challenges in treating cancer survivors due to limited training, complex guidelines, and unclear roles between oncologists and primary care providers.

To address this gap, Dr. Melissa Erickson led the establishment of an Oncology Primary Care Clinic at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center in 2021. This clinic enhances collaboration between oncologists and PCPs, improves patient care, and ensures survivors receive comprehensive, long-term support. A patient registry was also created to track patient outcomes and assess the clinic’s impact.

Key Findings from the Patient Registry

A review of 683 patients, ranging in age from 20 to 96, who visited the clinic between January 2021 and January 2024, found:

• 61% were overweight or obese.
• 45% had a history of smoking, with an average of 21 pack-years.
• 79% had at least one cardiovascular condition.
• 49% were eligible for cardiomyopathy screening, and 78% received echocardiograms.
• Many patients were referred to supportive services, including physical therapy (42%), cancer exercise programs (18%), and psychiatry (14%).

These findings highlight the importance of specialized oncology primary care in managing cancer survivors' unique health needs. Patient registries like this one help measure the clinic’s impact and identify areas for improvement in survivorship care.

This research was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, and a peer-reviewed publication is currently under review. Leading this ongoing work, Dr. Alique Topalian, in collaboration with Cancer Center members Drs. Melissa Erickson, Beth Shaughnessy, and Melinda Butsch Kovacic, is further analyzing the registry to explore co-existing conditions and second primary cancers in young cancer survivors.

By strengthening the connection between oncology and primary care, the Oncology Primary Care Clinic at the Cancer Center is ensuring that survivors receive the comprehensive, long-term care they need to stay healthy.