After your main treatment ends, you usually still see your cancer team for regular check-ups. This is called follow-up care. How often you see them depends on different things, including:

• the type and stage of the cancer
• the treatment you have had
• your needs and wishes
• the arrangements at the hospital you go to. 

Your follow-up appointment

The aim of this cancer follow-up appointment is to make sure everything is going well for you. It is also a chance for you to talk about any concerns you may have. The appointment helps your cancer doctor or nurse notice any possible problems early. They may examine you and do some simple tests, such as taking a blood sample. They will usually ask questions about your recovery and any side effects or symptoms you have.

It is very important to go to your appointments. If you cannot go because you are not feeling well, tell the clinic. They can arrange another appointment for you.

Your cancer team can refer you to other services if you need specialist help. For example, they may refer you to a psychologist or counsellor for emotional help, or a physiotherapist for advice about exercising.

Ways of having follow-up care

There are different ways of having your follow-up care.

Appointment with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse

You may have regular face-to-face appointments at the hospital. Or you may have virtual appointments over video call or phone call. The appointment will usually be with someone from your cancer team. Your cancer team will discuss your follow-up care with you. You can decide together what is best for you. Sometimes you may have some of your follow-up with your GP.

In the first year after your treatment, the appointments may happen every few months. As time goes on, the appointments will happen less often. You may be asked to have a blood test or scan before an appointment. This helps make sure your results are available for the appointment. If you are not sure whether this is needed, ask your cancer team.

Shared care

Shared care is when your follow-up care is shared between your cancer doctors or specialist nurses and your local hospital or GP. For example, you may have tests and scans at your local hospital. Some GPs have an agreement with the hospital to share your follow-up care.

Self-management

Some people have supported self-management follow-up instead. This is when you are supported by your nurse and cancer team to manage your health.

You may have regular phone appointments with your specialist nurse or someone else from the cancer team. Or you may be asked to contact the cancer team if you are worried about anything or if you need support.

If they think anything needs to be checked, they will arrange this. If you need regular tests and scans, they will be arranged for you. You will also have direct access to your cancer team if you need it. They will give you information on:

• side effects
• symptoms to look out for
• what you can do to keep healthy
• where to get support.

Self-management allows you to be more in control of your care. But you can always contact your cancer team, GP or other healthcare professionals for help if you need it.

Tips for getting the most from your appointment

• Write down any questions before your appointment. You can also write down the answers to help you remember them.
• Take someone with you. They can support you and can help you remember what was said.
• Always tell your cancer doctor or nurse about any ongoing or new symptoms, or other health worries.
• Tell them how you are coping with your feelings. They can give you advice or direct you to the right place for support.
• Tell them if you are taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal or complementary medicines. Sometimes these can affect other drugs, including some cancer treatments.
• Be honest with your cancer team. This helps them to give you the best support.

For further information - click here