As cancer survival rates climb, coordination between oncologists and primary care clinicians is key

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With cancer survival rates climbing, the United States is expected to see 22.5 million cancer survivors by 2032. A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine finds that many patients face fragmented care when transitioning from oncology to primary care.

The study, published in Current Oncology, surveyed 57 women who had completed or were undergoing treatment. While nearly 80% consistently saw the same oncologist during treatment, only about one-third reported continuity with their primary care clinicians (PCC).

“Going from seeing an oncologist to seeing a PCC is often associated with fragmented care — gaps in the patient’s care that occur because of miscommunication and a lack of coordination,” said study author Jane McElroy, Ph.D., professor of family and community medicine at the University of Missouri. “This is often because of uncertainty regarding which roles and responsibilities belong to primary care and not oncology, or vice versa.”

The role of primary care

Survivorship care extends far beyond cancer monitoring, encompassing management of treatment side effects, mental health, lifestyle guidance and screening for new conditions. Yet many PCCs surveyed felt unprepared to provide comprehensive survivorship care, despite their willingness to undergo training.

“Our research identified several educational opportunities that exist for PCCs who provide survivorship care,” said co-author Mirna Becevic, Ph.D., an associate professor of dermatology and lead evaluator for the Show-Me ECHO program. “This includes online classes, workshops, webinars and tele-mentoring sessions using programs like our ECHO program.”

The study shows that PCC-led care or shared models between oncology and primary care can produce equal or better outcomes than oncologist-led care alone. Cancer survivors themselves often prefer these shared-care models.

Financial and everyday strains

Beyond medical continuity, the study underscored the financial and social challenges cancer survivors face.

Among respondents, 26% reported difficulty returning to work, 21% struggled to afford medications and 15% faced problems paying medical bills.

Researchers noted that such “financial toxicity” can affect survivors’ long-term health outcomes, echoing broader evidence linking financial strain to poorer quality of life.

The study highlights opportunities for physicians in both oncology and primary care to strengthen communication, collaboration, clarify roles and coordinate long-term care plans. As cancer survival rates continue to climb, demand for integrated survivorship care will only grow.

“Continuity of primary care during cancer treatment could later facilitate primary care involvement in cancer survivorship,” the authors concluded. “Engagement between PCC and oncology becomes increasingly important as the number of long-term cancer survivors continues to rise.”