The journal of cancer survivorship: informing health care providers and cancer survivors

As was the case when choosing the title for this journal, the term “cancer survivor” continues to be a source of controversy. Because of this continued concern, we reviewed how authors defined cancer survivor (i.e., case definition) in their paper. Reflecting the diversity of opinions in the field of cancer survivorship, the case definition of survivor has varied across publications. Definitions in the majority of publications met the criteria of post primary treatment. However, the case definition that had been used in many publications was based on number of months post diagnosis, rather than a statement providing explicit times post primary cancer treatment. Given the existence of multiple definitions of “cancer survivor,” future JCSU publications must provide a detailed case definition of cancer survivor in the methods section of the submission that includes time post primary cancer treatment. It is expected that papers will target those post primary treatment. This is particularly important given the potential variation in the temporal course of problems experienced by cancer survivors following primary treatment for cancer. The exact time from primary treatment of first, recurrent, or new cancers can also provide more specific knowledge of what can be expected over the long term and what we can target for improved primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention over time. Identification of variables that contribute to these temporal changes will hopefully lead to improved health and self-care efforts.