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After treatment and remission

Follow-up calendar

A follow-up calendar shows visits, tests, vaccines and late-effect checks in one place so nothing is forgotten.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A year wheel
Figure 1.A year wheel — Follow-up calendar

01Short answer

Add to the calendar: haematology visits, blood tests, MRD or molecular tests, heart, eye, hormone and bone checks (depending on your treatment), dental visits, vaccines and psychological support sessions. Visits are usually more frequent in the first years and then less often, but only your team sets the frequency. Set reminders in your phone calendar and review the plan with your doctor each year.

02Simple explanation

Everything in one calendar.

Include late-effect checks.

Frequency follows your team’s plan.

Set reminders.

Review it every year.

03Scientific explanation

Individual plan: ASCO stresses that the follow-up plan is individual, based on cancer type, treatment and general health.

Late effects: the treatment you received decides which checks are needed years later.

Long term: some checks may continue for life.

04What happens in the body?

A year wheel

See a whole year of visits at a glance.

Reminders

Set an alert a few days before each test.

A bell above a phone.
Figure 2.Reminder — Follow-up calendar

Spacing out

Over time, visits become less frequent, which is a sign of a good course.

Dots spreading apart.
Figure 3.Spacing out — Follow-up calendar

Share it

Sharing the calendar with a trusted person can help.

05Building the calendar

Four steps.

Schedule — Get it from the team.1ScheduleGet it from the team.
Tests — Add them to the calendar.2TestsAdd them to the calendar.
Reminders — Set alerts.3RemindersSet alerts.
Review — Update each year.4ReviewUpdate each year.
OrderNothing is forgotten.
Follow-upLate effects are checked.
CalmThe plan is clear.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A year wheelSee a whole year of visits at a glance.
RemindersSet an alert a few days before each test.
Spacing outOver time, visits become less frequent, which is a sign of a good course.
Share itSharing the calendar with a trusted person can help.

07Key terms

Follow-up schedule
Planned visits and tests.
Late-effect check
A specific test after treatment.
Reminder
A calendar alert.
Yearly review
Updating the plan each year.
Survivorship care plan
A written follow-up plan.

08Key points

  • Get the schedule from your team.
  • Add every test.
  • Set reminders.
  • Review it yearly.
  • Record changes at once.

09Frequently asked questions

Why do visits become less frequent?

As remission lasts, the risk falls; your doctor sets the frequency.

Is my family doctor involved?

Yes, they often carry out some checks.

Can I use a paper calendar?

Yes, whatever format suits you.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. Why do visits become less frequent?

  2. Is my family doctor involved?

  3. Can I use a paper calendar?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Cataract
  6. NHS. Cataracts
  7. National Cancer Institute. Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies (PDQ®)
  8. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Cancer Treatments and Oral Health
  9. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry Mouth
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Dental Health
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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