Meet the Care Team: Color’s Survivorship Oncologists

For many people, surviving cancer is just the beginning of a new journey—one that comes with its own challenges, uncertainties, and ongoing healthcare needs. Color’s survivorship oncologists work closely with the patient and their care team after a cancer diagnosis to address a wide range of clinical and non-clinical needs. The transition from active treatment to post-cancer life can feel overwhelming, and having dedicated medical guidance ensures that survivors receive tailored, comprehensive support and care for their unique needs. 

Color’s survivorship program aims to improve lives by:

• Reducing the risk of a cancer coming back or a new cancer starting
• Treating side effects related to cancer and treatments
• Supporting the whole person through nutrition, mental health, financial support, and other services

This work includes developing a survivorship care plan that outlines a screening schedule, symptom and long-term side effect management, and incorporates lifestyle, wellness, reproductive, and mental health considerations. Close collaboration between Color’s clinicians and the patient’s oncologist and primary care teams is essential to actively ensuring the patient’s survivorship needs are met. 

Managing long-term medical side effects of treatment is a critical component of our approach to survivorship care. Our clinicians monitor symptoms, address health risks, and provide targeted interventions to help patients regain their quality of life. They also collaborate with cancer survivorship clinical and research experts to both contribute to and learn from the latest findings.

Beyond medical care, Color’s survivorship team also plays a key role in helping patients reintegrate into daily life, including returning to work. Through counseling, and strategic support, they equip survivors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this new phase. We also help survivors navigate financial hurdles through education, advisory support, and navigation. By addressing both clinical and non-clinical aspects of survivorship, Color ensures that patients have the tools they need to move forward with resilience and strength.

We recently sat down with Dr. Ashley Speckhart, a Survivorship Physician, Medical Oncology at Color, to discuss what long-term health after cancer looks like, the challenges survivors face, and the support they need.

What inspired you to focus on survivorship care in oncology?

I was initially drawn to this field after noticing a lack of care for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. This demographic makes up a large part of our working population, so as these survivors transition back to their jobs, health challenges can impact their ability to work and access appropriate care. And many of these individuals experience long-term effects from their treatment, but sadly, it’s often overlooked. Some survivors face a higher risk of developing additional cancers due to their treatment, yet both patients and their primary care physicians (PCPs) may not be aware of the specific screening guidelines for survivors. Plus, PCPs often lack the specialized knowledge or time to manage the nuanced long-term risks associated with different cancer treatments. And while oncologists traditionally bear the responsibility for long-term survivorship care, their primary focus is on treatment.

So, I saw a clear need for someone who focuses solely on cancer survivorship—having one foot in oncology, and one foot in primary care—to help facilitate care and ensure cancer survivors receive the personalized follow-up they need. 

Can you explain what a survivorship care plan includes and how it benefits patients?

I actually prefer not to use the term “survivorship care plan,” and instead refer to it as “long-term health after a cancer diagnosis.” The most important thing a patient should know after cancer treatment is what that treatment contained, what long-term risks they face from it, and what they can do to reduce those risks. This includes lifestyle behaviors, recommended screenings, and any other preventive measures, and I help them understand this and make a plan for it. 

I also stress the importance of re-evaluating these recommendations every three to five years. As medical knowledge advances, guidelines change—this means a survivor’s care plan from years ago may no longer reflect the best, current guidance. I stay on top of those changes, and communicate them to my patients to help them stay up-to-date. 

What are the most common long-term side effects you help patients manage, and how do you address them? 

The most common issue I encounter isn’t physical—it’s emotional. Anxiety about cancer recurrence is probably the biggest one I see. That fear is so real and valid to feel, and there are actions we can take to reduce risk. I work with patients to adopt lifestyle changes that may lower their chances of recurrence and educate them on recognizing symptoms, including when those symptoms could be problematic and when they likely aren’t. I’ll also refer my patients to other programs or specialists who I think may be helpful for their particular needs. 

For those who received chemotherapy, cognitive effects—sometimes called “chemo brain”—are another major concern. Patients may experience memory issues, difficulty multitasking, or trouble concentrating. I help them develop strategies like taking notes, using lists, and making other adjustments to how they approach tasks.

What are some challenges survivors face that people might not expect?

Beyond the fear of recurrence and physical side effects, many survivors face challenges related to time and financial strain, which they may not expect up front. Survivors have to see multiple doctors, undergo screenings, and manage follow-up care—all of which takes time and money. Time away from work, transportation costs, and medical expenses can add up. I, along with Color’s Care Advocates, help our patients with all of this. 

Another lesser-known challenge is the risk of developing secondary cancers due to past treatments. As previously mentioned, I emphasize the importance of screening and early detection for these potential risks to give my patients direct, and individualized support. 

What advice do you have for patients who feel overwhelmed transitioning back to work or day-to-day life?

First, know that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. One of the best things you can do is connect with others who have been through it because learning from others who have been in your shoes can be incredibly helpful. I highlight the value of peer support programs like Color Cancer Connect, a clinically-validated program where cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers can share experiences and strategies for navigating life after treatment. It’s such a wonderful program. And I tell my patients to take it one step at a time—you can do this.

Cancer survivorship is an evolving field, and my work highlights the importance of dedicated care for those navigating life after treatment. By equipping survivors with the right information and support, I help them take control of their long-term health and move forward with confidence.