Follow-up after treatment for head and neck cancer

After your treatment is completed, you will have regular check-ups. These are very important for your doctor and dentist to monitor your progress.

If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms in between these times, you should let your GP or specialist know as soon as possible.

The check-ups will often continue for several years, frequently at first, then less so. This can make it difficult to put the experience of cancer behind you.

It is important to have a nutritious and well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, even if your appetite and interest in food have been reduced following your cancer. Your dietitian will be able to advise you on ways to eat well and can help with any problems you may have.

Our section on adjusting to life after cancer| gives useful advice on how to keep healthy and adjust to life after cancer.

Smoking and alcohol

If you are a smoker, it is important to try to give up or cut down. Smoking is the main cause of head and neck cancers and continuing to smoke puts you at greater risk of developing a second cancer. It may also significantly reduce the effectiveness of your current treatment, worsen the side effects and increase the risk of your cancer coming back. Giving up smoking can be very difficult, especially at times of stress. There are organisations that can help, such as QUIT|.

Cutting back on alcohol can also help. If you can’t stop drinking alcohol completely, it is best to avoid spirits if you can.