While on treatment, Oncologist every 3 weeks. While off treatment appointment with Oncologist every 3 months. Always see Oncologist.
How often should I see a doctor after cancer treatment?
Sep 08, 2011 · I think it all depends on your individual cancer and the chemo or hormonal meds you are on. When I was on monthly doses of Zometa and Zoladex shot, I would see my nurse (RN assigned to me)monthly. Then would see the oncologist every 3 …
How often should I see a doctor for a colonoscopy?
Feb 11, 2019 · While on treatment, Oncologist every 3 weeks. While off treatment appointment with Oncologist every 3 months. Always see Oncologist. If he is on leave I see one of the other Oncologists. Di16 3 years ago Currently every 3 months I see an oncologist in clinic, usually a consultant, occasionally a registrar.
How often should I visit the doctor for follow-up care?
Aug 27, 2018 · Aug 27, 2018, 12:20:26 AM. Mom saw her oncologist about a month ago and she didn't mention when to RTC. Her neuro-oncologist has scheduled RTC in 2 months and radiation oncologist 2 months as well. It's Sunday today so offices are closed so no one to answer my phone call but was just wondering how often you guys see your oncologist. Share.
How often should you go to the doctor for tests?
Jun 15, 2021 · After you finish treatment for breast cancer, you’ll see your oncologist and other members of your health care team on a regular basis, usually about every 6 months for the first few years. After that, you’ll see them every year for many years.
When should oncologists switch?
The simple answer is that you have the right to change oncologists any time you want. An even more reasonable answer is that you should consider a change if and when you're uncomfortable with an important aspect of your care, and you can't resolve that concern with your current oncologist.Dec 7, 2020
How do oncologist know if chemo is working?
The best way to tell if chemotherapy is working for your cancer is through follow-up testing with your doctor. Throughout your treatment, an oncologist will conduct regular visits, and blood and imaging tests to detect cancer cells and whether they've grown or shrunk.Apr 15, 2021
How often should you see your oncologist after the first breast cancer?
Once your initial breast cancer treatment ends, you will need to see your oncologist every three or four months during the first two or three years. Then, you can visit your doctor once or twice a year. After that, these visits will depend on the type of cancer you have had.May 10, 2021
How often do cancer patients get scans?
In clinical trials, patients have baseline assessments and then have periodic follow‐up scans to assess response and tumor progression. Typically, in trials, the frequency of follow‐up scans is every 6‐8 weeks or every two cycles of therapy, although this varies with tumor and treatment type.Sep 27, 2019
What are the signs that chemo is working?
Complete response - all of the cancer or tumor disappears; there is no evidence of disease. A tumor marker (if applicable) may fall within the normal range. Partial response - the cancer has shrunk by a percentage but disease remains. A tumor marker (if applicable) may have fallen but evidence of disease remains.
How many rounds of chemotherapy can a person have?
During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.
What type of breast cancer is most likely to recur?
Research suggests that estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is more likely to come back more than five years after diagnosis. In this study, the researchers looked at the risk of late breast cancer recurrence, meaning the breast cancer came back 10 or more years after diagnosis.Feb 22, 2022
What are signs of breast cancer recurrence?
What are the symptoms of breast cancer recurrence?Breast lump or bumps on or under the chest.Nipple changes, such as flattening or nipple discharge.Swollen skin or skin that pulls near the lumpectomy site.Thickening on or near the surgical scar.Unusually firm breast tissue.Mar 24, 2021
How soon should you have surgery after breast cancer diagnosis?
Overall, the optional time for surgery after diagnosis is less than 90 days. Lumpectomy, mastectomy and lymph node removal are three common surgical procedures to treat breast cancer.Oct 25, 2021
How often should you have a CT scan after cancer treatment?
These tests include chest CT scan or X-ray. Guidelines vary in their advice to doctors about how often patients should get these imaging tests. Guidelines may recommend imaging tests every 3, 6, or 12 months after surgery.Mar 4, 2022
How often should you have a CT scan after cancer?
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, for example, recommends that people who are treated for stage II or III colon or rectal cancer have CEA testing every 3 to 6 months for 2 years and then every 6 months for 3 additional years, plus CT scans every 6 to 12 months for 5 years.Jun 20, 2018
How many CT scans can you have in a year?
There is no recommended limit on how many computed tomography (CT) scans you can have. CT scans provide critical information. When a severely ill patient has undergone several CT exams, the exams were important for diagnosis and treatment.
How often do you go to the doctor after cancer treatment?
Your overall health, including possible treatment-related problems. In general, people return to the doctor for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that.
What are the programs that specialize in long term follow up care for cancer survivors?
Some cancer centers and hospitals have programs that specialize in long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors. Many NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and large community treatment centers offer some form of survivorship program or clinic for adults who have been treated for cancer.
What is a pathology report?
Pathology report (s) that describe the type and stage of cancer in detail. Places and dates of each treatment, such as the details of all surgeries; the sites and total amounts of radiation therapy; and the names and doses of chemotherapy and all other drugs. Key lab reports, x-ray reports, CT scans, and MRI reports.
What is follow up care plan?
A follow-up care plan is a summary of your treatment, along with recommendations for your cancer care after treatment ends. Your plan may also include suggestions to help meet other needs, such as emotional, social, or financial issues. Choose your doctor. For follow-up cancer care, you may see the same doctor who treated you for cancer, ...
Why was the Focus study created?
The FOCUS study was created to better understand the many aspects and quality of follow-up care, to document the prevalence of late and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment, to understand survivors’ knowledge of late and long-term effects, and to study health-related quality of life and behaviors in long-term survivors.
Can you see the same doctor for cancer?
For follow-up cancer care, you may see the same doctor who treated you for cancer, or you may see another health care provider, such as one who specializes in follow-up care for cancer survivors. Or you may decide to go to your primary care doctor. You can discuss which doctor (s) to see with your health care team.
Can you share a test with one doctor?
Some research has shown that sometimes treatments or tests with one doctor aren't shared with the other doctor. Ask both your doctors to send clinic visit notes to each other so everyone can be on the same page. Follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors is very similar to the steps for adults.
How long after a mammogram do you have to have radiation?
Mammogram (of the remaining breast tissue and/or opposite breast) People treated with lumpectomy plus radiation therapy. 6-12 months after radiation therapy ends, then every year. People treated with mastectomy. 1 year after mammogram that led to diagnosis, then every year.
What tests are needed to check for breast cancer recurrence?
Depending on your signs and symptoms, follow-up tests may include: Blood tests (including tumor marker tests)
What tests are done to check for breast cancer?
Depending on your signs and symptoms, follow-up tests may include: Blood tests (including tumor marker tests) Imaging tests (such as bone scans, CT scans, PET scans and chest X-rays) A tissue biopsy (to check if a suspicious finding is a recurrence of breast cancer) Other tests may also be done.
How to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence?
Discuss ways to help lower your risk of breast cancer recurrence, such as maintaining a healthy weight. Check for signs of lymphedema. Check for changes in your family history and refer you to genetic counseling or genetic testing, if appropriate. Provide medical updates that might change your follow-up care.
What to ask for during bone health checkup?
Bone health tests. During follow-up visits, your health care provider will ask you about any symptoms or concerns you may have. These visits are a good time to discuss how you’re doing emotionally. If you feel anxious or depressed, tell your health care provider.
How to manage health issues?
Monitor your general health, such as checking your blood pressure, cholesterol and risk factors for heart disease. Get other routine health screenings, such as bone density tests and screening for other cancers. Get gynecological care (for women), such as pelvic exams and Pap smears. Manage other medical problems.
Do you need extra tests for breast cancer?
If you don’t have any symptoms that could be related to breast cancer recurrence, and if there are no concerning findings on your physical exam, you don’t need extra tests. There’s no role for lab tests, X-rays, CT scans, bone scans or PET scans if you’re not having any symptoms and there are no findings on your physical exam.
Why is follow up care important for breast cancer?
One goal of follow-up care is to check for a recurrence, which means that the cancer has come back. Treatment for early stage or locally advanced breast cancer is given to eradicate as many cancer cells in the body as possible. However, cancer recurs because small areas of cancer cells that don't respond to treatment may remain undetected in ...
Why is follow up care important?
Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. Follow-up care is also important for screening for other types of cancer. In some instances, patients may be able to visit a survivorship clinic that specializes in the post-treatment needs of people diagnosed with breast cancer.
How do you know if you have breast cancer?
Breast cancer can come back in the breast or other areas of the body. Generally, a recurrence is found when a person has symptoms or an abnormal finding during a physical examination. Annual mammograms are also recommended after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The symptoms depend on where the cancer has recurred and may include: 1 A lump under the arm or along the chest wall 2 Pain that is constant, worsening, and not relieved by over-the-counter medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) 3 Bone, back, neck, or joint pain, fractures, or swelling, which are possible signs of bone metastases 4 Headaches, seizures, dizziness, confusion, personality changes, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision, which are possible signs of brain metastases 5 Chronic coughing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing, which are possible symptoms of lung metastases 6 Abdominal pain, itchy skin or rash, or yellow skin and eyes from a condition called jaundice, which may be associated with liver metastases 7 Changes in energy levels, such as feeling ill or extremely tired 8 Having a low appetite and/or weight loss 9 Nausea or vomiting 10 Rash or skin changes on the breast or chest wall 11 Changes in the shape or size of the breast, or swelling in the breast or arm
What is a recurrence of breast cancer?
Generally, a recurrence is found when a person has symptoms or an abnormal finding during a physical examination. Annual mammograms are also recommended after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The symptoms depend on where the cancer has recurred and may include: A lump under the arm or along the chest wall.
What is the goal of cancer rehabilitation?
The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation. Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.
How long does it take for a person to feel a swollen chest after radiation?
This is a life-long risk for survivors. Long-term effects of radiation therapy. Some survivors experience breathlessness, a dry cough, and/or chest pain 2 to 3 months after finishing radiation therapy. That is because radiation therapy can cause swelling and a hardening or thickening of the lungs called fibrosis.
Can cancer come back after treatment?
Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms. Many survivors feel worried or anxious that the cancer will come back after treatment. While it often does not, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning.
How long does an oncology appointment last?
What to Expect at an Oncology Appointment. If it’s your first oncology appointment, it could last a few hours. The oncologist will spend time going over your medical history. They might give you a physical exam, even if your primary care doctor did one recently.
What do oncologists give you?
During your appointment, the oncologist may give you a basic idea of how long treatment will take. They could also give you a prognosis, or an idea of how you’ll respond to treatment. You might also meet other doctors on your treatment team. They’ll explain things like costs and the insurance process, too. Pagination.
What is the job of a medical oncologist?
A medical oncologist ’s job is to take care of cancer patients by using things like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. A medical oncologist will work with other doctors to create a treatment plan that’s best ...
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
There are three main types: A medical oncologist will treat your cancer with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. A radiation oncologist will treat your cancer with radiation therapy. A surgical oncologist uses surgery to remove tumors. They also perform biopsies, where they’ll remove a tiny piece ...
How to tell if an oncologist is board certified?
For example, if the medical oncologist is board certified in oncology, that means they passed an intense, high-level test. Ask how to contact them after hours.
How long does it take to become a medical oncologist?
Medical oncologists must first earn a bachelor’s degree. After college, they’ll go to medical school for about 4 years. This includes 2 years of studying in a classroom and 2 years of practice in a hospital setting. Next, they’ll complete a 2- to 5-year residency where they get special training in a hospital.
Can a physical exam show cancer?
That’s because physical exams can show signs of cancer that doctors who don’t treat it every day might miss. Your oncologist could also order more tests, like imaging tests (such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds), or they might take a sample of your blood or urine. You might need a biopsy, too.
What does a doctor look for in a woman with cancer?
If the cancer recurrence is confirmed, your doctor may also look for circulating tumor cells in the blood, or measure levels of blood tumor markers such as CA-15-3, CA 27-29, or CEA. The blood levels of tumor markers go up in some women if their cancer recurs or has spread to other parts of the body.
How long after cancer treatment do side effects show?
Some side effects might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment. Visits with your doctor are a good time for you to ask questions and talk about any changes or problems you notice or concerns you have. However, if you have additional concerns about your cancer, you do not have to wait until your next scheduled visit.
Why do you need a pelvic exam after breast cancer surgery?
Pelvic exams: If you are taking either of the hormone drugs tamoxifen or toremifene and still have your uterus, you should have pelvic exams every year because these drugs can increase your risk of uterine cancer.
Why aren't breast cancer tests included in follow up?
Other tests: Other tests such as blood tests and imaging tests (like bone scans and chest x-rays) are not a standard part of follow-up because they haven’t been shown to help a woman who's been treated for breast cancer live longer.
How long does breast cancer treatment last?
Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some might only last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time.
What happens if cancer comes back?
If cancer does return, your treatment options will depend on where it comes back, what treatments you've had before, and your current health and preferences. For more information on how recurrent cancer is treated, see Treatment of Recurrent Breast Cancer .
Do you need a lab after breast cancer treatment?
During these visits, your doctors will ask if you are having any problems, and will probably examine you. Lab tests and imaging tests aren't typically needed after treatment ...
How often should I see a doctor for a syphilis?
Typically, you should see your doctors every 3 months for the first 2 years after treatment ends, every 6 months during years 3 through 5, and then annually for the rest of your life. Your personal schedule will depend on your diagnosis.
What conditions can a doctor check for?
Conditions your doctor may want to check for include: Bone density (certain cancer drugs and menopause can weaken your bones) Diabetes. High blood pressure. Heart disease. Weight gain or obesity. Make taking care of your emotional and physical well-being a priority in life.
How long after breast cancer treatment do you need a mammogram?
If you had a total mastectomy, you only need one of the other breast. You’ll likely need a mammogram within 6 12 months after finishing your breast cancer treatment and at least annually after that. Routine chest X-rays and blood tests in women who have no symptoms of cancer aren’t always reliable.
What to do after breast cancer treatment?
Once your breast cancer treatment has ended, you’ll need to keep in touch with your cancer doctor and surgeon. Schedule regular appointments with them. Between medical visits, watch for any changes in your body.
Do you need a blood test if you have cancer?
Routine chest X-rays and blood tests in women who have no symptoms of cancer aren’t always reliable. If you had chemotherapy, you’ll need regular blood tests to make sure that your body has recovered from it.