Common questions from patients
There is no universal timeline for being fully cured. Doctors often use the word remission instead of "cured." Some cancers have a chance of coming back, so regular check-ups are important.
Recovery times vary; discuss with your doctor what to expect based on your treatment and personal health.
You will have follow-up visits to check for any signs of cancer coming back and to manage any side effects from treatment.
Some treatments can cause side effects later, like tiredness, memory problems, or heart issues. Your doctor will check for these over time.
Make sure all your doctors know your cancer type, treatments, and any side effects you had. Keeping a treatment summary is helpful.
Click the link to create your own Survivorship Care Plan if you do not have one and share the information with your healthcare team.
Follow-up care includes regular check-ups and screenings to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term effects.
Tell your doctor if you have any new or unusual symptoms, such as weight changes, persistent pain, lumps, or anything that feels different than usual.
Regular follow-up care, support groups, and psychological interventions can help manage the fear of recurrence.
Adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Counseling, support groups, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness can help you cope with the emotional challenges of survivorship.
