The Princess of Wales and support after cancer treatment

It is normal to feel lots of different emotions when you finish cancer treatment. You may initially feel relieved, but also a little anxious about what happens next. You may have days when you feel uncertain about the future and other days when you feel more positive about your health. It is common to have mixed feelings at this time.   

While you may feel ready to get on with life after cancer treatment, you may still be managing some side effects from treatment and other emotions as you begin to recover. You may also feel tired from the treatment. 

Try not to expect too much of yourself too soon. Recovery is a gradual process - some days you may feel better than others. You will need time to regain your physical strength. You will also need to process what you have been through. Sometimes emotional recovery can take longer than physical recovery but things should improve with time and the right support. 

We have more information on our website about life after cancer treatment, including follow-up care, managing treatment effects and making healthy lifestyle changes. 

Questions to ask your healthcare team

Knowing what to expect can help you adjust to life after cancer treatment. For example, you may want to know:  

• How to contact your healthcare team. 
• How often will you have follow-up appointments (check-ups) and for how long. 
• How often you might need blood tests, scans or other tests, and who will arrange them. 

You may also want to ask for information about:  

• How to manage any side effects or symptoms you have, including side effects from your treatment that may happen months or years later which are called late effects. 
• Symptoms to look out for after treatment finishes. Worrying about cancer coming back is very common.
• What you can do to support a healthy lifestyle and your well-being after treatment.
• Health and well-being clinics, events or support for people with cancer in your area. You can also search for local cancer support services on the Macmillan website.
• You might also have questions about relationships, returning to work, being physically active, along with questions about coping with physical changes.  

We are here to help you cope with life after cancer. Macmillan’s free, confidential phone line is open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. You can: 

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. 

• Chat to a specialist online. 
  

You may also find it helpful to speak to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Our Online Community and life after cancer forum are places you can share advice, ask questions, and support from people who understand. 

There may also be 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 by our senior medical editors and revised and edited by the Digital Content Team.

Learn more about how we produce our cancer information.