Ongoing side effects are often called ‘persistent’ side effects. This means you had them during treatment and they continue after your treatment ends.
‘Late’ side effects of cancer treatment are health problems that can result from cancer and/or cancer treatment that do not show up until six months to one year or more after treatment. These problems and risks are often called late side effects because they start late (after treatment) and can have long-term effects on your health.
Ongoing and late side effects are related to the type of treatment you had, your type and stage of cancer, the effectiveness of your treatments, and your overall health after treatment.
With your oncologist (cancer doctor)
Speak to your oncologist or nurse at your follow-up appointments about possible late effects related to the type of treatment you had and what signs to watch for specifically.
Since these effects typically start one year or more after treatment ends, you may not be seeing your oncologist very often. For this reason it is important to write down your risks so you can discuss how to screen and maybe even prevent some of them with your family doctor.
Read about ongoing and late side effects above. Your family doctor can screen for these risks and problems. You and your doctor should pay attention to changes in your body and how you feel to monitor your health with the right tests.
With your family doctor, nurse practitioner and/or primary care team
Speak to your family doctor, nurse practitioner and/or primary care team about your risks for late effects of your cancer treatment. Some (but not all) treatments for colorectal cancer can lead to bowel, hearing or heart problems, metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels) and other issues.
Read about ongoing and late side effects above. Your family doctor can screen for these risks and problems. You and your doctor should pay attention to changes in your body and how you feel to monitor your health with the right tests.
