After treatment for cancer

When treatment is successful Back to top

Many people are cured of their cancer. Some people like to celebrate their recovery from an operation| or the end of their treatment in some way such as taking a long-planned holiday or spending more quality time with family and friends. If you’re planning a holiday, we have information about travel| and travel insurance|, which can be difficult to get if you’ve had cancer.

It can take a while to recover from the effects of treatment, and some people may continue to feel tired for up to a year after treatment has ended. It’s 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 strong feelings and emotions, and many people find it takes several months after treatment to adjust fully and think about what they want for their future.

The time when treatment ends can be particularly difficult. Many people expect to feel pleased and relieved and able to get on with life again. In fact they often feel depressed, alone and abandoned. These feelings are a normal part of adjusting to life after cancer. You may feel unsure of what lies ahead and may worry about whether the cancer will come back. However, most people find that these feelings get better as they recover.
You may find it helpful to read our information about life after cancer treatment|, which discusses ways to stay healthy and adjust to life after treatment.

If cancer comes back Back to top

There may come a time when you need further treatment because the 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 can’t be cured Back to top

You may reach a stage where your doctors tell you that there are no more treatments available to control the cancer. This is obviously a difficult time, but there is still much that can be done to maintain your quality of life for as long as possible, and control any symptoms| that occur.

This is a time when it can help to have information about the options for further care. We have information about coping with advanced cancer|, which you may find useful. You can also ask to be referred to your local palliative care service for support and information. Your GP, district nurse or key worker can refer you.