Follow-Up Care after Cancer Treatment

One important part of your life as a cancer survivor is follow-up care. Here’s a guide you should consider following once your cancer treatment ends to ensure that you receive the care you need:

Develop a schedule for follow-up care
When you go for your first clinic visit following your cancer treatment, ask your doctor to design a schedule of follow-up care appointments for you. Your schedule will depend on the type of cancer you had, the treatments you received, and any side affects you experienced. Be aware that your health insurance plan may restrict the number or your follow-up care visits.

Expectations for follow-up care
During follow-up appointments, your doctor will usually review your medical history, evaluate your current symptoms, and conduct a complete examination. Depending on the type of cancer and treatment you’ve had, your doctor may also do other tests including blood tests or imaging studies, such as X-rays and scans. In some instances, your doctor may order physical or occupational therapy to help enhance your recovery.

What you should be looking for.
After your treatment you might be worried that any small change in your body could be a sign of cancer recurrence. Talk to your doctor about what signs to watch for. Don’t be afraid to report any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Click here for more information about follow-up care and the recommended screenings following treatment.