Living well after cancer

The cancer experience doesn’t stop when active treatment ends. Here we talk about a range of challenges you may face now that active treatment is finished, and suggest ways to adjust to life after treatment.

living after cancer guide
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Fear of cancer coming back

  • Am I at risk of getting a different type of cancer or another serious health problem due to the cancer or its treatment?
  • How can I manage the fear of the cancer coming back?
  • What can I do to reduce the chance of the cancer returning?
  • How likely is it that my cancer will come back?
  • If the cancer returns, how will I know?
  • What are the signs I should look for?
  • Could I join any clinical trials or research studies about managing the emotional impact of cancer?

Follow-up care

  • Will you give me a survivorship care plan?
  • Can I have a copy of my cancer treatment summary?
  • Who should I go to for my follow-up appointments?
  • How long will I receive follow-up care?
  • What tests do I need to have? What will the test results tell us?
  • Can I attend follow-up appointments using telehealth or have tests close to home?
  • Why do I need check-ups?
  • What will happen during my check-ups?
  • How often do I need check-ups?
  • What symptoms/problems should I watch out for?
  • Who should I contact if I develop new symptoms?
  • What happens if there are signs the cancer has come back?
  • Can I have the flu, COVID-19 or other vaccines?

Family and friends

  • Where can my family get help and advice?
  • Are my children at risk of getting my type of cancer?

Treatment side effects

  • How long will it be before I feel better?
  • Am I at risk of developing late effects? What might these be?
  • What can I do to prevent late effects? Do I need any tests to monitor this?
  • Am I likely to have long-term problems with pain?
  • How can I control any pain?
  • What can I do to stop feeling so tired all the time?
  • Are there things I can do to help me sleep better?
  • Where can I get help for dealing with how I am feeling? Can you refer me to a psychologist or counsellor?

Podcast for people affected by cancer

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