What happens to a cancer patient after treatment is complete?
At some point after cancer treatment is complete, a patient's main medical care may eventually move back to their primary care physician. Cancer survivors often say they feel lost in this transition. I recommend each patient takes time with their oncologist to clarify the follow-up schedule of visits and tests recommended for the future.
How long should I continue to get treatment for cancer?
If you want to continue to get treatment for as long as you can, it’s important to think about the odds of further treatment having some benefit (and what this benefit might be), compared to the possible risks and side effects. Your doctor can help estimate how likely it is the cancer will respond to treatment you might be considering.
Why is it important to know what to expect after treatment?
Knowing what to expect after cancer treatment can help you and your family make plans, lifestyle changes, and important decisions.
How likely is it that cancer will respond to treatment?
Your doctor can help estimate how likely it is the cancer will respond to treatment you might be considering. For instance, the doctor might say that more treatment might have about a 1 in 100 chance of working. It’s important to have realistic expectations if you do choose this plan.
How long after cancer treatment do you feel better?
Most people say it takes 6 to 12 months after they finish chemotherapy before they truly feel like themselves again.
How long does it take for cancer treatment to work?
In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition. It's also broken down into cycles, which last 2 to 6 weeks each.
How do you know cancer is gone after treatment?
How Do You Know You're in Remission? Tests look for cancer cells in your blood. Scans like X-rays and MRIs show if your tumor is smaller or if it's gone after surgery and isn't growing back. To qualify as remission, your tumor either doesn't grow back or stays the same size for a month after you finish treatments.
How do you know if cancer treatment is working?
After treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, your doctor will examine you for any new growths. You'll also get blood tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests. These tests will measure your tumor and see if your treatment has slowed or stopped your cancer.
Which cancer has highest recurrence rate?
Some cancers are difficult to treat and have high rates of recurrence. Glioblastoma, for example, recurs in nearly all patients, despite treatment. The rate of recurrence among patients with ovarian cancer is also high at 85%....Related Articles.Cancer TypeRecurrence RateGlioblastoma2Nearly 100%18 more rows•Nov 30, 2018
Can cancer still spread while on chemo?
While chemotherapy is one of the oldest and most successful ways of treating cancer, it doesn't always work. So, yes, cancer can spread during chemotherapy. Spreading could mean the tumor keeps growing, or that the original tumor shrinks, but cancer metastasizes, forming tumors in other areas of the body.
Which is the most curable cancer?
What are the most curable cancers?Breast cancer.Prostate cancer.Testicular cancer.Thyroid cancer.Melanoma.Cervical cancer.Hodgkin lymphoma.Takeaway.
What happens when cancer treatment is finished?
When treatment ends, you may expect life to return to the way it was before you were diagnosed with cancer. But it can take time to recover. You may have permanent scars on your body, or you may not be able to do some things you once did easily. Or you may even have emotional scars from going through so much.
What cancers Cannot be cured?
Jump to:Pancreatic cancer.Mesothelioma.Gallbladder cancer.Esophageal cancer.Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer.Lung and bronchial cancer.Pleural cancer.Acute monocytic leukemia.More items...•
How much should a tumor shrink after chemo?
With chemotherapy, the tumor might shrink, but will still remain at the next imaging. That's an important concept for some people to understand about chemotherapy. In clinical trials for solid tumors, the tumor is said to have responded if it shrinks by more than 30 percent.
Can cancer spread to lymph nodes during chemo?
Cancer can spread from where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other areas through either the bloodstream or the lymph system. If they travel through the lymph system, the cancer cells may end up in lymph nodes.
How do you know when a tumor is dying?
Exhaustion, Weakness, and Desire to Sleep: The cancer patient may become much weaker and more easily exhausted during these last weeks. They may want to sleep often because of this, as well as spend most of their day in bed. Loss of Appetite: They may lose much of their appetite or have difficulty eating and drinking.
What Are Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
Late effects are side effects of cancer treatment that become apparent after your treatment has ended. Cancer survivors might experience late effec...
What Cancer Treatments Cause Late Effects?
Late effects of cancer treatment can come from any of the main types of cancer treatment: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, surgery, target...
What Late Effects Might People Who Were Treated For Childhood Cancers Experience?
If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults durin...
What Signs and Symptoms Might Signal That You're Experiencing Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases, your doctor will know what effects are at risk to you. But...
What Can You Do to Prevent Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
It isn't clear that late effects are preventable or why some people might experience late effects while others don't. While this can be frustrating...
How long after cancer treatment do side effects show up?
These may be called long-term side effects. These problems might not appear right away and some don’t show up until years after treatment. Ask your cancer care team:
What happens after cancer treatment?
When cancer treatment ends, people begin a new chapter in their lives, one that can bring hope and happiness, but also worries and fear. No two people are alike. Each person has his or her own way of coping and learning to manage these emotions. It will take time and practice.
How does religion help people with cancer?
Religion can be a great source of strength for some people. Some find new faith during a cancer experience. Others find that cancer informs their existing faith or their faith provides newfound strength. Still others find themselves questioning their faith. If you are a religious person, a minister, rabbi, other leader of your faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you identify your spiritual needs and find spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially trained to help minister to people with cancer and their families.
What does it feel like to be put aside for cancer treatment?
For some people, emotions that were put aside during cancer treatment come flooding back all at once, and they feel overwhelmed with sadness, anger, or fear. Some of it may be the lingering side effects of treatment, but some of it feels as if your body and spirit are tired and need a long rest.
How long does a cancer group meet?
Other groups focus on certain types of cancer or stages of disease. The length of time groups meet can range from a set number of weeks to an ongoing program.
How to help cancer survivors?
Emotional support can be a powerful tool for both cancer survivors and their families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you.
Can cancer come back?
You’ll probably be concerned that the cancer might come back, and you might find yourself thinking about death and dying. The fear of cancer coming back (called cancer recurrence) is common among cancer survivors and can sometimes be quite intense. Maybe you’re more aware of the effects the cancer has had on your family, friends, and career.
What to expect after cancer treatment?
Yet at the same time, you may feel sad and worried. It’s common to be concerned about whether the cancer will come back and what you should do after treatment. When treatment ends, you may expect life to return to the way it was before you were diagnosed with cancer. But it can take time to recover. You may have permanent scars on your body, or you may not be able to do some things you once did easily. Or you may even have emotional scars from going through so much. You may find that others think of you differently now—or you may view yourself in a different way. One of the hardest things after treatment is not knowing what happens next.
What is the first few months of cancer treatment?
Those who have gone through cancer treatment describe the first few months as a time of change . It’s not so much “getting back to normal” as it is finding out what’s normal for you now. People often say that life has new meaning or that they look at things differently now. You can also expect things to keep changing as you begin your recovery. Your new “normal” may include making changes in the way you eat, the things you do, and your sources of support, all of which are discussed in this booklet.
What does "cancer survivor" mean?
This booklet uses the term “cancer survivor” to include anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of his or her life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also part of the survivorship experience. You may not like the word, or you may feel that it does not apply to you, but the word “survivor” helps many people think about embracing their lives beyond their illness.
What doctor will provide follow up care for cancer?
For regular medical care, you may decide to see your main provider, such as a family doctor. For specific concerns, you may want to see a specialist. This is a topic you can discuss with your doctors. They can help you decide how to make transitions in care. Depending on where you live, it may make more sense to get follow-up cancer care from your family doctor, rather than your oncologist . It’s important to note that some insurance plans pay for follow-up care only with certain doctors and for a set number of visits. In coming up with your schedule, you may want to check your health insurance plan to see what follow-up care it allows. No matter what your health coverage situation is, try to find doctors you feel comfortable with.
How to stay active after cancer?
Several recent reports suggest that staying active after cancer can help lower the risk of recurrence and can lead to longer survival. Moderate exercise (walking, biking, swimming) for about 30 minutes every —or almost every—day can: • Reduce anxiety and depression • Improve mood and boost self-esteem • Reduce fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea It is important to start an exercise program slowly and increase activity over time, working with your doctor or a specialist (such as a physical therapist) if needed. If you need to stay in bed during your recovery, even small activities like stretching or moving your arms or legs can help you stay flexible, relieve muscle tension, and help you feel better. Some people may need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
How to reduce the risk of cancer?
4Cut down on how much alcohol you drink. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases your chances of getting certain types of cancers. 4Eat well. Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer or recurrence. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have developed similar diet and fitness guidelines that may help reduce the risk of cancer: • Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5–9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Try to include beans in your diet, and eat whole grains (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily. • Choose foods low in fat and low in salt. • Get to and stay at a healthy weight. For more tips on nutrition and healthy eating, go to www.aicr.org
How often should I see a doctor for cancer?
Your follow-up care plan depends on the type of cancer and type of treatment you had, along with your overall health. It is usually different for each person who has been treated for cancer. In general, survivors usually return to the doctor every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that. At these visits, your doctor will look for side effects from treatment and check if your cancer has returned (recurred) or spread (metastasized) to another part of your body. At these visits, your doctor will: n Review your medical history n Give you a physical exam Your doctor may run follow-up tests such as: n Blood tests n MRI or CT scans. These scans take detailed pictures of areas inside the body at different angles. n Endoscopy (en-DOSS-koh-pee). This test uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the body. At your first follow-up visit, talk with your doctor about your follow-up care plan. See page 11 for a list of organizations and programs that give follow-up care guidelines for survivors or Resources on page 57 for a detailed list of cancer- related organizations. Follow-up care can also include home care, occupational or vocational therapy, pain management, physical therapy, and support groups. (See pages 12–13 for a description of these services.)
What happens if you have cancer years ago?
Increased risk of other types of cancers. Nerve damage. If you were treated for cancer many years ago, you may assume any health problems you have are related to aging, not past cancer treatments. Tell your doctor what you know about your childhood cancer treatments.
What signs and symptoms might signal that you're experiencing late effects of cancer treatment?
Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases, your doctor will know what effects are at risk to you. But the late effects of many treatments still aren't known.
What late effects might people who were treated for childhood cancers experience?
If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults during their cancer treatments.
What can you do to prevent late effects of cancer treatment?
While this can be frustrating, you can take steps to help cope should you experience late effects of treatment. Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful.
What to do if you have cancer and no longer seeing a doctor?
If you were treated for cancer many years ago or are no longer seeing a cancer specialist for checkups, talk to your primary care doctor about late effects . If you think you might be experiencing late effects or your doctor isn't sure what late effects to watch for, ask for a referral to a cancer specialist.
How to get rid of cancer?
Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful. Long-term side effects of cancer treatment.
Can cancer cause late side effects?
But you may also be at risk of additional late side effects. That's because children's bones, tissues and organs are growing rapidly during treatment, so cancer treatment can interfere during this critical time of growth. As with late side effects in adult cancer survivors, late side effects in childhood cancer survivors will vary depending on ...
What happens after cancer treatment?
A: We hear from many patients that the time after completing active cancer treatment is a time when they feel ‘unsettled’ and worry about an uncertain future. Some may even feel anxious about the possibility that the cancer could return and worry they may not be doing enough to catch any signs early enough. It is also important to note that many patients still have unpleasant symptoms related to their treatment for months or even years after treatment ends. Unfortunately, it is common for patients to experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory, persistent pain or tingling from neuropathy, and emotional distress.
What is the end of treatment summary?
A: Survivors can ask their oncologist for an end of treatment summary that outlines the original diagnosis, including the cancer type, stage, and the treatments received. These details will be important to future health care providers throughout their lifetime. This information should also clearly state the proposed schedule for follow-up visits and recommended scans and other testing to monitor the person's recovery, also called a "survivorship care plan."
How to deal with cancer fears?
Information and education are essential to regain some control. Sharing one’s fears and worries with loved ones, a support group, or seeking professional help can and will bring relief. It is normal to have many concerns after completing treatment for cancer and important to feel supported and accompanied in this journey.
Why do patients have follow up visits?
Patients can also use these visits to have deeper conversations about their future health, seek advice on how to manage side effects, or get referrals to supportive services. These visits may serve as a reminder to address the important issues of maintaining other areas of their general health. Overall, the goal of these discussions is to make sure that the patient has proper follow-up for their cancer-related and other health-related problems and that the patient knows how their primary care physician will be involved.
Do cancer survivors want to give back?
Many cancer survivors want to give back, and you will find them volunteering or acting as advocates at cancer clinics and philanthropic organizations. It's also important to recognize that many cancer survivors face an uncertain future and feel unsettled.
Does cancer affect the family?
A: Cancer affects not just the individual who received the diagnosis, but the entire family unit . Caregivers and well-wishers help support a patient during cancer treatment, and their love, support, and worry will continue after treatment as well. This means they may also need their own emotional support during this time.
What to do after cancer treatment?
After cancer treatment, you should have regular check-ups. If you have symptoms of brain changes, you will have tests to see whether they are due to the cancer or are late side effects of your treatment. If you have late side effects, your doctor or nurse: Will talk with you about ways to manage late side effects.
What are the late effects of cancer?
Late effects are problems caused by cancer treatment that may not show up for months or years after treatment. These problems are specific to certain types of treatments and the dose received. Like side effects that you may have during treatment, late effects differ greatly from person to person. You may have problems that are very different from someone else’s, even if they had the same type of cancer and treatment. When you discuss follow-up care with your doctor, you may want to ask about which late effects to watch for. Early medical attention can prevent or help better manage late effects. See Follow-Up Medical Care to learn more.
What is second primary cancer?
When a new primary cancer occurs in a person with a history of cancer, it is known as a second primary cancer. Second primary cancers do not occur very often, but they can happen. Ways to Manage. Talk with your doctor about the types of second cancers you may be at risk for.
How to find clinical trials?
To find clinical trials for managing symptoms and side effects and improving quality of life, use this advanced search form. Under “Keywords/Phrases,” type the specific treatment or symptom that you are interested in. Under “Trial Type,” select the box for "Supportive Care" trials. If you need help findings trials, contact the Cancer Information Service, NCI’s contact center.
How to reduce bone loss after cancer treatment?
You can help lower your risk of bone loss by: Not smoking or using other tobacco products. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Can radiation therapy cause heart problems?
Certain cancer drugs and radiation therapy to the chest may cause heart problems that don’t show up until years after treatment. Drugs that tend to cause heart problems include:
Do second primary cancers occur often?
Second primary cancers do not occur very often. When they do occur, they are not always caused by cancer treatment.
What happens if cancer stops working?
Or maybe one type of cancer treatment has stopped working and the cancer has kept growing. If this happens, your doctor might say your cancer has advanced or progressed. There may or may not be other treatment options. But when many different treatments have been tried and are no longer controlling the cancer, it could be time to weigh ...
How to trust your doctor about cancer?
Trusting your cancer care team. Talking with your doctor and cancer care team, and trusting them to be honest, open, and supportive, is very important. You will have more confidence in treatment decisions if you trust the doctors making recommendations. This means communication is a key part of your care, from diagnosis throughout treatment ...
How to talk to your loved ones about cancer?
Talking with your loved ones. Be open with your loved ones about your cancer and the news you've been given. Explore their thoughts, feelings, and suggestions. Talk to them about the options you have been given, along with the decisions you have made or are thinking of making. If you feel you need their input, ask.
Is there hope for a life without cancer?
Staying hopeful. Your hope for a life without cancer might not be as bright, but there is still hope for good times with family and friends – times that are filled with happiness and meaning. Pausing at this time in your cancer treatment gives you a chance to refocus on the most important things in your life.
Can cancer shrink?
If you have cancer that keeps growing or comes back after one kind of treatment, it’s possible that another treatment might still help shrink the cancer, or at least keep it in check enough to help you live longer and feel better. Clinical trials also might offer chances to try newer treatments that could be helpful.
Can you get a second opinion on cancer?
When faced with deciding whether to continue cancer treatment, some patients or their loved ones may want to get a second opinion. Even when you place full trust in your doctor and cancer care team, you might wonder if another doctor could offer something else or more information. It's normal to think about talking to someone else, and your doctor should support you if you decide to get another opinion. Remember that your cancer care team wants you to be sure about the decisions you make. You can read more in Seeking a Second Opinion.
Does cancer stop working?
If Cancer Treatments Stop Working. Cancer treatments can help stop cancer from growing or spreading. But sometimes treatment does not work well or stops working. Maybe treatment ended a while ago and was successful at first, but cancer has come back. Or maybe one type of cancer treatment has stopped working and the cancer has kept growing.
What happens after you stop cancer treatment?
For instance, after you stop treatment, a new drug may come to the market, a clinical trial could open, or you may hear of a doctor who has a new way of treating the cancer you have. If so, you can always decide to start treatment again. No matter what you choose, your health care team can provide emotional and physical comfort and care along ...
Does cancer make a difference in how long you live?
Your cancer is advanced, and further treatment won’t make a big difference in how long you live.
What to do when cancer treatment is finished?
Eating lots of fresh vegetables is one way to stay healthy. When your treatment is finished, your doctor may tell you that you should get checkups or tests in the future. This is called follow-up care. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. These tests can help find early signs of a new or the same cancer.
How to lower your risk of getting cancer?
You can lower your risk of getting cancer again or having the cancer come back by making healthy choices like—. Staying away from tobacco. If you smoke, try to quit, external icon. and stay away from other people’s smoke. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.
Going Back to “Normal”
- You’ve been seeing your cancer care team quite often; now, suddenly, you don’t have to visit for many months at a time. When treatment is done, some people feel like they’re no longer fighting the cancer. Worries can set in. You might feel alone and lost without the support of your cancer care team. These people may have become an important part of your life. Not seeing them migh…
Learning to Live with Uncertainty
- You may notice that you’re paying a lot of attention to aches and pains in your body. You may feel like a “sitting duck.” The doctor says you have no signs of cancer now, but can you be sure? You may be wondering… 1. Will it come back? 2. What are the chances it will come back? 3. How will I know if it has come back? 4. What will I do if it comes back? 5. When will it come back? The fea…
Health Problems from Cancer Treatment
- Some cancer treatments may cause health problems later on. These may be called long-term side effects. These problems might not appear right away and some don’t show up until years after treatment. Ask your cancer care team: 1. If the treatments you had put you at risk for short- or long-term health problems 2. What those problems are and how you c...
Get Support
- Emotional support can be a powerful tool for both cancer survivors and their families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you. There are many kinds of support programs, including individual or group counseling and support groups. Support in any form allows you to express your feeling…
Bottom Line
- Keep in mind that you are a cancer survivor and remember the good news: You are one of millions of Americans alive today who has had cancer, and the survival rate is improving all the time. Like most of them, you and the people around you can adjust to and lead a fulfilling life after cancer.