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Cancer survivorship is most commonly described as a distinct phase in the cancer trajectory occurring between the end of primary treatment and recurrence or end of life.1,2 In Canada, there are currently close to one million people living as cancer survivors, and with further advances in prevention, screening and treatment, this number is expected to increase in the future.3 The Canadian healthcare system will see a higher number of people living with survivorship issues and it is therefore critical to understand the unique needs of this growing population. Understandably, the cancer care system emphasizes disease treatment, however, but a change is needed in order to acknowledge survivorship as an important part of the cancer trajectory. Fortunately, national recognition for the importance of cancer survivorship research is at an unprecedented level in Canada, but there are challenges in advancing the research and practice work, including a limited number of professionals working in the area, as well as funding constraints.

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