Social well-being and cancer survivorship.

There are more than 11 million cancer survivors in the US today. While awareness is growing of physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment, the social impact of cancer is underappreciated. This article discusses the significant changes in interpersonal relationships that cancer survivors can experience, as well as financial, employment, insurance, and legal issues. Case examples are provided to put these challenges in the context of survivors' life stage and resources. Possible interventions to address the social well being of cancer survivors are suggested, and the implications for developing programs that help survivors to face psychosocial challenges are explored.