After treatment and remission

Doctor check-ups

After treatment ends, regular visits to the haematologist are the main support of remission. This topic explains how often visits happen, what is done at them and how to prepare.

Last updated: 14 October 2026~3 min read

A stethoscope in a soft circle of light on a dark surface. — **Figure 1.**A planned visit is calm, regular care.

01Short answer

In remission, a doctor check-up includes a blood test, a conversation about how you feel and a physical examination. How often visits happen depends on the type of leukaemia and the treatment: usually more often in the first 1–2 years (for example every 1–3 months), then less often — every 3–6 months, and later once a year. The doctor checks the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, skin and mouth, compares blood results with earlier ones and asks about late effects of treatment. A visit is also time to ask questions and plan long-term care such as vaccinations and heart and bone checks. Your doctor sets the exact schedule.

02Simple explanation

Visits are the support of remission.

A blood test usually comes first.

The doctor asks and examines.

Over time visits become less frequent.

Between visits you can still call your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Frequency: according to the ACS, after acute leukaemia visits in the first years are every few months and become less frequent over time.

Physical exam: the lymph nodes, size of the liver and spleen, skin (bruises, rash) and mouth (gums, sores) are checked.

Blood test: the complete blood count (MedlinePlus) shows early signs of relapse and marrow recovery.

Late effects: the NCI and COG recommend monitoring the heart, bones, hormones and the risk of second cancers for years after treatment.

04What happens in the body?

What happens at a visit?

Usually blood is taken first. Then the doctor asks how you feel: tiredness, fever, pain, appetite and sleep.

Physical examination

The doctor feels the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin, presses the abdomen to assess the liver and spleen, and looks at the skin and mouth.

A clear body outline with gold points at the neck, armpits and groin. — **Figure 3.**The doctor checks the lymph node areas.

Discussing results

Blood results are compared with earlier ones. Small changes are often normal; the doctor looks at the overall trend.

Preparing for a visit

Before the visit, write down symptoms, medicines and questions. This makes a short visit more useful.

**Figure 2.**Write your questions down in advance.

When do visits become less frequent?

The longer remission lasts, the lower the risk of relapse, so visits are gradually spaced out. After several years follow-up may become yearly or move to a long-term follow-up clinic.

Long-term care

Visits also cover vaccinations, heart and bone checks, hormones, emotional well-being and returning to work. This is about protecting your health as a whole.

05From visit to next step

The steps of a planned check-up.

1VisitA check-up day is scheduled.

2TestsBlood tests are usually done first.

3TalkSymptoms and results are discussed.

4Next stepThe next date and plan are agreed.

RegularityChanges are seen in time.

Open conversationQuestions are answered.

A clear planThe next step is known.

06Typical visit frequency (simplified)

Period	Typical frequency	Note
Year 1	Every 1–3 months	The most intensive period
Year 2	Every 2–3 months	As your doctor plans
Years 3–5	Every 3–6 months	Gradually less often
After 5 years	Once a year	Long-term follow-up

* The table is an example; schedules may differ in CLL, CML and after transplant.

07Key terms

Haematologist: A doctor for blood diseases.
Physical exam: The doctor looking and feeling for changes.
Lymph node: A small “filter” of the immune system.
Spleen: An organ that filters blood; it may enlarge in leukaemia.
Late effect: An effect appearing months or years after treatment.
Long-term follow-up: Care continuing for years after treatment.

08Key points

Visits are the support of remission.
A blood test usually comes first.
The doctor asks and examines.
Preparation makes the visit useful.
Visits become less frequent over time.
Do not wait if worrying signs appear.

09Frequently asked questions

I feel well — do I still need to go?

Yes. Some changes show up only in tests.

Do I need to fast before the visit?

Usually not for a blood count, but your doctor may ask you to fast for some biochemistry tests.

Can I have check-ups in another city?

Sometimes, but it is important to send results to your main doctor.

Can my family doctor replace these visits?

After years part of follow-up may move to your family doctor, but this is agreed with the haematologist.

Will I have a bone marrow test every time?

No. It is done only for a specific reason or by protocol.

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.

I feel well — do I still need to go?
Do I need to fast before the visit?
Can I have check-ups in another city?
Can my family doctor replace these visits?
Will I have a bone marrow test every time?

My questions

12Sources

National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
American Cancer Society. Living as an Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Survivor
American Cancer Society. Living as an Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Survivor
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute. Coping: survivorship
American Cancer Society. Living as a Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Survivor

Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Last updated: 14 October 2026← Back to the list

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