How do I find a Breast Cancer survivorship clinic

Finding a Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic

Great question! Survivorship care is an important part of your cancer journey, and many hospitals and cancer centers now offer dedicated programs. Here are the best ways to find one:

Direct Resources

1. Ask Your Oncology Team First

• Your current oncologist or cancer center likely has survivorship services or can refer you
• They may have in-house programs or partnerships with survivorship clinics
• This is often the easiest path since they know your medical history

2. Major Cancer Centers

• Call the oncology departments at major hospitals in your area
• Ask specifically: "Do you have a breast cancer survivorship clinic or program?"
• Academic medical centers and NCI-designated cancer centers typically have these programs

3. Online Directories

• American Cancer Society: Visit cancer.org and use their "Find Support & Treatment" tool
• NCCN Member Institutions: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) lists member cancer centers at nccn.org—these centers typically offer survivorship programs
• Cancer.gov: The National Cancer Institute's website has a "Find Cancer Care Facilities" tool

4. Insurance & Hospital Networks

• Contact your insurance company for in-network cancer centers with survivorship programs
• Call your local hospital's patient navigator or oncology department

What to Look For in a Survivorship Clinic

According to ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) guidelines, good survivorship programs should offer:

• Surveillance for cancer recurrence
• Management of treatment side effects (like fatigue, heart problems, or lymphedema)
• Screening for second cancers
• Fertility and sexual health support
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Coordination with your primary care doctor

If You Can't Find One Locally

• Ask about telehealth survivorship visits (increasingly available)
• Consider programs through major cancer centers that serve patients remotely
• Your oncologist can provide survivorship care guidance even without a formal clinic

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.