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.

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Adjusting to life after treatment

It can take time to find a new way of living after cancer treatment. Learn about cancer survivorship, finding a "new normal", and some common reactions to finishing active treatment.

Fear of cancer coming back

It's common to feel anxious about the cancer coming back. Learn about survival statistics, the signs of a new cancer, and ways to manage fear of recurrence.

Follow-up care

Learn about follow-up appointments, cancer treatment summaries, survivorship care plans, and who you will see for follow-up care.

Impact on family and friends

Learn about some common reactions family and friends may have once treatment is over.

Managing side effects

Learn about ways to manage some treatment side effects common to cancer survivors.

Looking after yourself

There are many ways to look after your wellbeing and adapt your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

Practical concerns

After cancer treatment, you may have concerns about financial issues, insurance policies and work.

Seeking support

Find out about the support services that can help you after treatment finishes.

Questions for your doctorThis checklist includes the kinds of questions you may want to ask your doctors about living well after cancer treatment.

Print these questions

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?

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