Survivorship Clinic

Established in 2006, our Survivorship Clinic was the first dedicated, multidisciplinary resource for cancer survivors in the State of Connecticut to provide patients and their families with vital information on cancer prevention, wellness, supportive services, and the latest health research related to cancer survivorship.

Specialized Team Care

The Smilow Cancer Hospital Survivorship Clinic is comprised of a team of expert and compassionate clinicians who offer guidance to empower cancer survivors to take steps to maximize their health, quality of life, and longevity. The team educates survivors on the prevention, detection, and treatment of complications resulting from cancer treatment. Patients are counseled by a medical oncologist, a nurse practitioner, a registered dietitian, a physical therapist, and a clinical social worker. A survivorship coordinator supports cancer survivors throughout their visit and follow-up consultations.

Customized Treatment Plans

Prior to the clinic visit, the team reviews the patient’s past cancer diagnosis and treatment history. On the day of the clinic, patients discuss their concerns with the providers through patient-centered conversations. This information helps the team design an individualized survivorship care plan for each patient with customized recommendations in the following areas:

• Surveillance and screening guidelines
• Wellness education tailored to cancer type and treatment history
• Psychosocial support for survivors and their families
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise and fitness recommendations
• Medical providers

At the conclusion of the visit, patients leave our Survivorship Clinic with a written plan tailored to their specific needs and concerns. A copy of this plan is also sent to their referring physician or primary caregiver.

Support Services

Patients at our Survivorship Clinic also have the opportunity to receive referral-based services for cancer survivors. These services include:

• Genetic counseling
• Behavioral health
• Integrative medicine resources, such as massage and reiki
• Neurocognitive assessment
• Resources
• Sexual health
• Tobacco treatment
• Community exercise programs and physical therapy