Talking cancer survivorship with Dr. Tara Rick

June is National Cancer Survivors Month. This month we sat down with Tara Rick, PhD, PA-C, research associate in Cancer Survivorship and practicing physician assistant in Hematology and Oncology, to chat about cancer survivorship research at the University of Minnesota and learn about Dr. Rick’s pivotal role in our Cancer Survivorship Program. Dr. Rick is the special expert guest at our next Fireside Chat, happening June 12! 

Could you give us a brief background on your education, what intrigued you about your field of specialty, and what brought you to the University of Minnesota?

I am a physician associate/physician assistant (PA) in oncology. For those who are not aware, PA’s are nationally certified and state-licensed health care providers. In oncology, we work collaboratively with our physician and nurse practitioner colleagues to provide cancer care for patients. I have a Master’s degree and a PhD which means I care for patients and I’m involved in research. I started out my career in oncology at the University of Minnesota in 2006, drawn by the reputation of the University and that I would be working and learning from a respected group of physician scientists providing cutting edge oncology care.

What is Cancer Survivorship and who does it involve / impact?

Cancer Survivorship is the period from receiving a diagnosis of cancer through the balance of life. It is an inclusive term, encompassing those considered cured of their cancer and those living with cancer. There are over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S., who have unique health care needs.

What resources are available for cancer survivors at the Masonic Cancer Center?

We have dedicated cancer survivorship teams, caring for individuals who have experienced childhood cancer, cancer as an adult, and those who have had a bone marrow transplant. Sometimes this care occurs as part of routine oncology but we also have dedicated health care providers, such as myself, who care for long-term cancer survivors. We have many supportive services such as cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema therapy, nutrition, sexual health, social work, and much more. We also have several educational and community programs such as an annual conference, the Thrive webinar series, a summer picnic, and special programming for caregivers.

What are some examples of health disparities for cancer survivors, and how are we helping address them?

There is a cost to cancer diagnosis and treatment beyond the financial cost. We know there is a cost to quality of life and functioning. We know that nearly two thirds of cancer survivors will have some type of late effect or chronic health condition. Some cancer treatment can lead to late effects that can shorten the lifespan. In our cancer survivorship program, we follow evidence-based guidelines to monitor patients, identify and treat any late and long term effects, discuss health promotion, and work with cancer survivors and their primary care providers to help coordinate their care.

What is one thing you want people to know about how we can help cancer survivors navigate their life during and after a cancer diagnosis?

The goal of cancer survivorship is to help individuals live well after cancer. We are focused on the whole person, considering the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of wellness. We also want to help educate and empower you to be an active participant in your care team.