Survivorship Clinics at MSK

This information explains what you can expect when you receive your care at survivorship clinics at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Now that you have completed active treatment for cancer, it's important to get medical checkups regularly. Your doctor has referred you to our survivorship clinic. This clinic offers comprehensive services to people who have been treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The purpose of the survivorship clinic is to: look for signs of the cancer coming back (which is called recurrence) identify, prevent, and control late or long-term effects from your treatment, recommend screening tests for other cancers.

In the survivorship clinic, you will be cared for by a nurse practitioner, also known as an NP, or a physician assistant, also called PA.

NPs are registered nurses who have completed advanced education and training. PAs are medical professionals who are certified to practice medicine under the supervision of a doctor. Your NP or PA will be in direct contact with your doctor as needed.

Your survivorship visits will be about every six to twelve months, or as directed by your doctor.

During your survivorship visit, your NP or PA will talk with you about your medical history and do a physical exam. They will also: talk with you about any side effects of your treatment, provide counseling on healthy living habits (such as diet and exercise), recommend screening tests for other cancers, prescribe medication related to your cancer care if needed, refer you to other healthcare providers if needed, and talk with your local doctor about your treatment and plan of care.

At the end of your first visit, you will get a summary of the cancer treatment that you received from your doctor. You will also get a care plan with recommendations of screening tests and other health recommendations.

If you have any questions about your survivorship clinic, talk with your NP or PA.