I n 2006 the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Office of Cancer Sur- vivorship (OCS), the American Cancer Society's Behavioral Research Center, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, organizations serving as leaders in promoting the science of cancer survivorship research, sponsored the third biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference. The articles in this special supplement to Cancer represent data and summaries from selected talks given at this historic meeting, an event that also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the OCS at the NCI. Collectively, this set of articles outlines some of the key directions for future research and for understanding and delivering follow-up care to survivors and their family members after treatment ends, and addresses the implications of this science for larger efforts to reduce the burden of cancer on the nation.
The past several years have witnessed an unprecedented level of attention devoted to the topic of cancer survivorship. This is reflected in the publication of special journal issues addressing the topic, 1-3 the appearance of new textbooks to educate healthcare professionals about the needs and care of survivors posttreatment for cancer, 4,5 and even a new scientific journal devoted to this burgeoning area of science. 6 Since 2003, 5 major reports have appeared that review the state of the science with respect to the long-term and late effects experienced by those living for years with a history of cancer. These documents provide specific recommendations regarding the next steps for researchers and clinicians working with and caring for this population, as well as for funders, payors, and policy makers, to ensure that efforts will continue to help us improve not just the quantity of life for those diagnosed with cancer, but also their health-related quality of life. Included in this series are 2 volumes produced by the Institute of Medicine, Childhood