After treatment for cancer

When treatment is successful

Many people are cured of their cancer. You may find it helpful to celebrate recovery from an operation, or the end of a course of treatment, with a long-planned dream holiday or a home improvement project.

It can take a while to recover from the effect of treatment, and some people may continue to feel tired for up to a year after treatment has ended. It is very important to look after yourself at this time, and not try to do too much or pretend that you are fine if you are not. Cancer can cause powerful feelings and emotions, and many people find it takes several months after treatment to adjust fully and rethink what they want for their future.

The time when treatment ends can be particularly difficult. Many people find that they expected to feel pleased and relieved and able to get on with life again, but in fact they feel quite depressed and low. These reactions are a normal part of adjusting to life after cancer and usually gradually lessen as time goes on.

You may find it helpful to read our section on adjusting to life after cancer|.

If cancer comes back

There may come a time when you need further treatment because your cancer has come back. Many cancers can be controlled by treatment even after they have come back for a second or third time. This can be an anxious and frightening time for you, and you may feel that you need extra support. Our cancer support specialists| can help people talk through the thoughts, feelings and fears that a recurrence of cancer can bring. They can also help you to find a counsellor in your area.

If a cancer cannot be cured

You may reach a stage where your doctors tell you that there are no more treatments available to control your cancer. This is obviously a difficult time, but there is still much that can be done to maintain the quality of whatever time is left to you, and control any symptoms that occur. Many older people need to have cancer symptoms controlled and help with other medical problems.

This is a time when it is helpful to have as much information as possible about the options for further care. You may wish to read our section on coping with advanced cancer|.