Life after cancer treatment

Here you will find practical advice and emotional support as you adjust to life after cancer treatment. We have information about returning to work, managing your emotions, dealing with side effects and navigating relationships.

It is common to have feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even guilt It can help to acknowledge these and try not to expect too much of yourself too soon. Recovery is a gradual process .

It can be useful to ask your healthcare team about having a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). Together, you can talk through any needs and concerns you have about any area of your life. These can be physical, emotional, spiritual or practical. You then agree on a plan for your care and support needs.

It may help to:

• Speak to your cancer team or GP if you need more support
• Talk to friends, family, or others in a similar situation on our life after cancer forum about how you're feeling.
• Consider talking therapies and counselling.
• Try meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises  to try to manage stress and anxiety
• Manage your uncertainty by getting trusted information.
• Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00. Our trained advisors can provide emotional support and practical information about all aspects of cancer. Our support line is open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm.

The end of treatment doesn't always mean the end of side effects. Long-term side effects such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive changes  can carry on even when your treatment has ended. These are called late effects of treatment.

Worrying about cancer coming back is a common concern for people, and living with uncertainty can be difficult. Always let your cancer doctor, nurse or GP know:

• if the side effects of treatment do not go away
• if you have any new symptoms or problems after treatment.

It can help to:

• Keep up with scheduled screenings and follow-up appointments to monitor and manage any long-term effects.
• Report any side effects and new symptoms to your cancer team if you have any concerns.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to help your body recover and improve your overall health.

For many people, thinking about returning to work after cancer treatment if you have taken time off can be a challenging. But it can bring a sense of normality, financial stability, routine and social contact.

Deciding whether to return to work after treatment will depend on different things. This includes your health and the sort of work you do. Some people may need to go back for financial reasons. If possible, do not push yourself to go back too soon.

It can help to:

• Increase your workload and responsibilities gradually.
• Discuss your situation with your employer if you are employed. They may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you get back to work.
• Know your rights. The Equality Act 2010 protects you from being discriminated against at work because of cancer. Learn more about understanding your employment rights.
• Speak to our Work Support Service  advisors to help you understand your rights at work and address any concerns you may have about returning to work. You can contact the Work Support Service for free on 0808 808 00 00.

Money worries can be a common concern after treatment. This can be because of the loss of income, not being able to work full-time or needing time off for recovery.

It can help to:

• Use the Macmillan Benefits Calculator. This tool gives estimates for benefits you may be entitled to.
• Call our Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00. We have Macmillan money advisers who can help you with advice on money and benefits.

Cancer and cancer treatment can affect many areas of your life. These may include relationships, sex and fertility. Changes can affect how you feel about your body. They can affect your relationships or how you feel about being with another person .

If your relationships are being affected after treatment there is support that can help.

It can help to:

• Be honest about your needs and feelings with your loved ones and talk to your GP or practice nurse if you need help.
• Access our cancer and relationships and sex and cancer booklets. 
• Get more information. Our storytellers share how their cancer experience has affected their relationships and daily life. 
• Speak the Macmillan Support Line if you need emotional and practical support. Call for free on 0808 808 00 00.

Life after cancer is a journey of its own, filled with ups and downs. You're not alone. Whether you need information, emotional reassurance, or just someone to talk to, we're here to help you.

Booklets and blogs

• What happens after cancer treatment ends easy read
• Life after cancer treatment booklet
• Real-life stories about life after cancer treatment
• Life after cancer: Navigating unique challenges with people who understand blog

Peer Support

• Our Online Community and life after cancer forum are places to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. You can share advice, ask questions, and support from people who understand.
• Find support groups in your area where you can meet others facing similar challenges. These groups provide a space to share experiences and ways for managing after treatment.

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team and checked by Macmillan's Cancer Information Development team.

Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information.