Just like the doctors, nurses and therapists who prescribed a personalized treatment plan, now there are doctors, nurses and therapists who prescribe a post treatment plan. The professionals at the breast cancer survivorship clinics, programs and centers in select hospitals around the country understand your treatment history and know the potential near and late effects you may experience. Some have new titles you haven’t heard, like “Cardio-Oncologist”, or “Survivorship Coordinator”. And they can help you prevent or manage issues related to your treatments or cancer. And the research they conduct keeps them attuned to the life style and medical choices that can help lower your risk of recurrence.

Cancer survivorship programs, clinics and centers vary at every cancer center and hospital. Some offer all of these services; others offer only a few. Ask your oncology provider for the following essentials of survivorship care, according to the National Academy of Sciences: