Your follow-up care after cancer treatment

But you’ll still see your specialist doctor for regular check-ups (follow-up) and you can often keep in touch with your specialist nurse. Your follow-up care will depend on the type of cancer and treatment you had, and your specialist will explain what is involved. Your appointments may continue for several years.

To start with, you’ll usually be seen every few months but this will eventually lessen to once a year.

What to expect Back to top

You’ll usually have a check-up about 6-8 weeks after the end of your treatment. Your doctor will examine you and ask questions about your health and how you’ve been feeling. You may also have blood tests.

Tests Back to top

The tests you need will depend on the type of cancer you have and your individual situation. Most people don’t have tests or scans straight away. This is because they’re not likely to provide any new information at this stage. You may need a regular test for some cancers, but for others you’ll only need one if you develop symptoms.

It’s natural to feel anxious before your appointment. If you feel this way, you may find support from family, friends or one of the useful organisations| listed on our database.

What you can do Back to top

Here are some things to help you get the most out of your follow-up appointments:

• Write down the key questions you want to ask your doctor before your appointment.
• Write down the answers if it helps you to remember.
• Take someone with you. It’s often easier to make sense of what’s been said if there’s someone to discuss it with after.
• Take something to help pass the time and help you relax (music, reading etc). Sometimes it’s handy to have a drink or snack.
• Try to talk openly and honestly with your doctor. They need information from you to give you the best care.
• Let your doctor know about any ongoing or new symptoms you’re having. Don’t downplay things.
• Talk to your doctor about any emotional problems you have.
• Tell your doctor about any other health problems.
• Always let your doctor know about any prescribed and non-prescribed (things you buy yourself) medicines that you’re taking. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal or complementary medicines.

Although people may feel anxious before their appointment, they often feel reassured afterwards that it’s another step in their recovery.

In between your appointments Back to top

If you have symptoms or emotional problems you don’t have to wait until your next check-up. Contact your doctor or specialist nurse as soon as possible and they can then see you earlier than planned.

After treatment, aches and pains that you would previously have shrugged off may make you worry that the cancer has come back. This is a common reaction and sometimes all you need is some reassurance from your GP. If you find that you’re becoming overwhelmed by your fears of the cancer coming back, your doctor can arrange some expert help for you.