A practical starting point
Life after treatment is still part of care.
Finishing treatment can bring relief, fear, fatigue and a surprising lack of instructions. You deserve a plan that addresses your whole life—not only the next scan.
01
Ask for a follow-up care plan
A survivorship care plan may include a treatment summary and recommendations for care after treatment. It can clarify upcoming visits, possible late effects, routine health needs and who is responsible for which part of your care.
The details should be individualized. Follow-up is different depending on cancer type, treatment, age, health history and current symptoms.
Questions worth taking with you
- What treatment did I receive, and can I have a written summary?
- Which clinician is responsible for each part of my follow-up care?
- What symptoms or changes should prompt a call, and whom should I call?
- Which routine screenings and general health checks do I still need?
- Could I experience late or long-term effects from my treatment?
- Where can I get support for fatigue, mood, sexual health, work or finances?
02
Fear does not mean you are doing survivorship wrong
Fear of recurrence is common. Appointments, scans, anniversaries or new sensations may bring it forward again. Ask your team what changes they want you to report and how results will be communicated. A clear process can reduce some of the uncertainty around waiting.
If worry is persistent, affects sleep or daily life, or feels unmanageable, tell your care team. Counseling, support groups and other forms of psychosocial support may help.
NCI: Coping with your new normal and fear of recurrence ↗03
Start with the body you have today
Fatigue, pain, balance, sleep, strength, appetite and concentration can all shape recovery. New or persistent symptoms deserve clinical attention; do not assume you simply need more willpower.
Physical activity can support health and function, but the safest starting point depends on treatment effects and other conditions. Ask your team about restrictions, rehabilitation or specialists who understand cancer recovery.
CDC: Physical activity for cancer survivors ↗04
Let relationships change honestly
Partners, children and friends may expect life to return to normal at different speeds. Roles developed during treatment can be difficult to release. Try naming what has changed without assigning blame.
Body image, desire, sexual function and fertility are legitimate health topics. Ask your clinician for appropriate support rather than assuming the problem is too private—or too late—to discuss.
05
Know who to call
Your own care team should tell you which symptoms require urgent attention, which office to contact and what to do outside regular hours. General web information cannot safely answer those questions for an individual.
Contact your health care team about new, persistent or worsening symptoms. If you believe there is an immediate emergency, use your local emergency services.