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Questions and answers

Questions for the doctor: after treatment

The end of treatment is the start of a new stage. That stage needs questions too.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A door open to a garden
Figure 1.A door open to a garden

01Short answer

After treatment it is important to ask: what treatment did I have, and can I have a written summary? How often, and which, check-ups will there be? Which signs of relapse should I watch for? Are there late effects (heart, bones, hormones, fertility, risk of a second cancer) and how will they be monitored? When should my vaccines be repeated? When can I return to work, sport and travel? Can I get psychological support?

02Simple explanation

A treatment summary and a follow-up plan are the two most important documents.

Asking about late effects is not fear; it is care.

03Scientific explanation

Many international guidelines recommend a survivorship care plan after treatment: a treatment summary and a follow-up plan.

After a transplant childhood vaccines often need repeating; the transplant team sets the schedule.

04What happens in the body?

Follow-up

“How often will check-ups be?”, “Which tests are done?”, “When should I call the doctor?”

Late effects

“How might my treatment affect my heart, bones, hormones or fertility?”, “Which screenings do I need?”

A follow-up calendar
Figure 2.A follow-up calendar

Returning to life

“When can I go back to work?”, “What physical activity is safe?”, “When are my vaccines due?”, “Where can I get psychological support?”

A care plan after treatment
Figure 3.A care plan after treatment

05A plan after treatment

Four steps.

Summary — A written account of treatment.1SummaryA written account of treatment.
Follow-up schedule — Check-ups and tests.2Follow-up scheduleCheck-ups and tests.
Late effects — What to monitor.3Late effectsWhat to monitor.
Returning to life — Work, sport, family.4Returning to lifeWork, sport, family.
A clear pathA plan reduces uncertainty.
A healthier futureLate effects are found in time.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Follow-up“How often will check-ups be?”, “Which tests are done?”, “When should I call the doctor?”
Late effects“How might my treatment affect my heart, bones, hormones or fertility?”, “Which screenings do I need?”
Returning to life“When can I go back to work?”, “What physical activity is safe?”, “When are my vaccines due?”, “Where can I get psychological support?”

07Key terms

Treatment summary
A written description of the treatment received.
Late effects
Effects that appear months or years after treatment.
Survivorship
Life and care after treatment.

08Key points

  • Ask for a treatment summary.
  • Learn the follow-up schedule.
  • Ask about late effects.
  • Plan your return to life.

09Frequently asked questions

What should my family doctor know?

Give them a copy of your treatment summary.

Can I have children?

Discuss fertility with your doctor and, if needed, a fertility specialist.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What should my family doctor know?

  2. Can I have children?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Survivorship: During and After Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  8. NHS (UK). Acute myeloid leukaemia
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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