Are there things I should be doing now that my cancer treatment is over?

Cancer survivors can expect to live longer than survivors have in the past, and with a better quality of life. Still, you must take extra-special care of your health. You also should be aware of the lasting effects of your cancer and your treatment. That way, you can make informed decisions about your health care in the years ahead.

Specifically, you should:

• Schedule regular checkups with your doctor. Also, you may want to contact your local National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center or an academic medical center to see if there are clinics offering follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors in your area. Contact information for these centers is available online. Click on "numeric" and choose "Fact Sheet 1.2."

• Keep a record of your health history. This should include date of diagnosis, treatment details, complications, supportive care, and contact information for the health professionals involved in your care. Doctors may want to see this information in the future.

• Ask your doctor about the chances that your cancer might return. Ask what signs you should look for.

• Be aware of any lasting effects of your cancer treatment. Certain treatments may cause side effects many years later. These may include not being able to have children or having an increased risk of developing a second type of cancer.

• Be tuned in to how you feel. You may want to discuss your feelings about your cancer or see a counselor long after treatment has ended.

• Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.

choose back button for more from this category, or below for CIS index