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After treatment and remission

Not every symptom is a relapse

After remission, any tiredness, cold or ache can trigger fear of relapse. This topic helps you look at symptoms calmly.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Several paths of light with one lantern.
Figure 1.Most paths lead to ordinary causes.

01Short answer

People in remission still get ordinary illnesses: colds, stomach upsets, muscle aches and tiredness from stress. Most symptoms have ordinary causes. Relapse is usually found by blood tests and a doctor’s examination, not by a single symptom. Writing a symptom down, watching it for a few days and comparing it with the warning signs reduces worry. When in doubt, call your doctor; that is not being over-cautious.

02Simple explanation

Most symptoms have ordinary causes.

Relapse is mostly found by tests.

Write down and watch the symptom.

Know the warning signs.

When in doubt, call.

03Scientific explanation

Fear: ASCO notes that fear of recurrence is common among survivors and makes people more alert to body sensations.

Monitoring: scheduled blood tests often show relapse before symptoms do.

Duration: doctors pay special attention to symptoms that last more than a few days or get worse.

04What happens in the body?

Why does everything feel scary?

After treatment, the mind stays on alert. This is a normal reaction and usually eases with time.

Ordinary causes

Seasonal viruses, poor sleep, stress and aches after exercise all happen in remission too.

A cold is not a relapse
Figure 2.A cold is not a relapse.

What is different?

Fever that persists, unexplained bruising, constant bone pain or severe weakness: tell your doctor about these.

A diary helps

Writing the symptom down with dates gives your doctor accurate information and calms you.

A notebook of light with dots.
Figure 3.Watch a symptom over days.

05Facing a symptom

Four calm steps.

Notice — Note the symptom calmly.1NoticeNote the symptom calmly.
Write — When it started and how it changes.2WriteWhen it started and how it changes.
Check — Compare with the warning signs.3CheckCompare with the warning signs.
Ask — If unsure, call.4AskIf unsure, call.
ClarityYou see what is happening.
CalmWorry eases.
SafetyAn important sign is not missed.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why does everything feel scary?After treatment, the mind stays on alert. This is a normal reaction and usually eases with time.
Ordinary causesSeasonal viruses, poor sleep, stress and aches after exercise all happen in remission too.
What is different?Fever that persists, unexplained bruising, constant bone pain or severe weakness: tell your doctor about these.
A diary helpsWriting the symptom down with dates gives your doctor accurate information and calms you.

07Key terms

Relapse
The disease coming back after remission.
Remission
No signs of the disease.
Warning sign
A symptom to report quickly.
Symptom diary
A dated record of symptoms.
Fear of recurrence
Worry that the disease will return.

08Key points

  • Most symptoms have ordinary causes.
  • Write the symptom down.
  • Watch it for a few days.
  • Know the warning signs.
  • When in doubt, call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I get a blood test with every cold?

Usually not; but yes if fever persists or your team has advised it.

Will the fear go away?

For many people it eases with time; if you need help, talk to a psychologist.

Is it wrong to bother the doctor?

No, the team expects these questions.

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. Should I get a blood test with every cold?

  2. Will the fear go away?

  3. Is it wrong to bother the doctor?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Coping With Fear of Recurrence
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  3. American Cancer Society. Understanding Recurrence
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  6. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  9. NCI. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  10. Macmillan Cancer Support. Life after cancer treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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