The Journal of Cancer Survivorship: retrospective and future directions

Evolving landscape of cancer survivorship research: an analysis of the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2007-2020

PURPOSE

To provide an analysis of papers published by the Journal of Cancer Survivorship (JCSU) from March 1, 2007 (its inception) until December 31, 2020.

METHODS

Characteristics (locations, study type, cancer type, keywords assigned by original authors) of all included articles were extracted into EndNote X9 and were coded and analyzed using Excel, NVivo v.R1.3 and VOSviewer, v.1.616. Journal Impact Factor and citation counts of each manuscript were downloaded from Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus®, respectively.

RESULTS

Published papers are predominantly from the USA, Australia, and the UK. While breast cancer continues to be the dominant cancer type, a range of different cancer types and populations with mixed-cancer types have been addressed in the journal. Cross-sectional designs were the most used. JCSU's impact factor experienced a steady growth between 2011 and 2015 and stabilized over recent years (2016-2020), at 3.296 (1 year) and 3.830 (5 years). Keyword co-occurrence analyses indicated prominent themes including quality of life, physical activity, late effects, follow-up care, and psychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship.

CONCLUSIONS

JCSU has made a significant contribution thus far by disseminating knowledge in cancer survivorship. This paper provides insights of JCSU's success to date and recommends further diversification and directions for practice areas that are novel or have received less attention by the cancer survivorship community.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This journal stands ready to publish new information that informs the cancer survivorship community on the multidimensional nature of cancer and facilitates translation into quality care across many different settings and across the globe.

Introduction to special section on: current topics in cancer survivorship and work

Work is a key contributor to quality of life and an important aspect of cancer survivorship. We call attention to current topics in cancer survivorship and work with 12 articles on cancer survivorship and work in this special section. The focus is on less studied diagnostic groups such as gastrointestinal cancer and prostate cancer, and on long-term effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on work. Furthermore, studies are included on topics not generally studied including cognitive limitations and pain, the role of the employer on work outcomes among different types of cancer survivors and some countries not typically covered in the existing literature on work and cancer survivorship. We conclude that to improve sustainable work participation in cancer survivors, personalised, tailored interventions should be provided. A prerequisite for this is the identification of groups and individuals at high risk for adverse work outcomes. In order to develop such interventions, research involving new approaches such as matching data registries, participatory approaches and the involvement of many stakeholders and survivors with these different types of cancer diagnoses is necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The goal of sustainable work participation in cancer survivors can be improved by the delivery of a personalised or risk-based tailored intervention. Furthermore, successful work outcomes often involve many stakeholders who should all be included Implications for Cancer Survivors. The goal of sustainable work participation in cancer survivors can be improved by the delivery of a personalised or risk-based tailored intervention. Furthermore, successful work outcomes often involve many stakeholders who should all be included.