After Treatment

Some people who have been through cancer treatment feel like they cannot get enough information. After their treatment is over, they have time to think. They often have questions about what has happened to them. On the other hand, some people would rather not focus on what has happened. They prefer to let their cancer care team advise them as needed.

You may have many questions about life after cancer treatment. You may have questions about:

• How to deal with your emotions
• Diet and exercise
• Practical issues such as going back to work

You will need to work with your cancer care team to find answers to these questions. Remember: no question is silly or not important.

Here are some sample questions to ask your cancer care team. Ask these questions to help you know what to expect once cancer treatment ends. Find more questions in the My Questions worksheet.

What treatments and medicines have I been given?

Ask your oncologist (cancer doctor) to give you a written record of:

• The type of cancer you had
• The treatments and medicines you had
• The side effects of these treatments

You can record this information in your Cancer Journey Planner or using the worksheets and trackers found in the Planner Pages section.

Do I need any follow-up care?

Ask your oncologist about screening or tests you need once your treatment is complete. Ask for a schedule of when you should follow up with your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or oncologist to have these tests done. Add these dates to your calendar to remind yourself about follow-up care.

Will I get cancer again?

Ask your oncologist about the risks of getting a secondary cancer (another type of cancer) or recurrent cancer (the same type of cancer). What signs or symptoms should you look for?

What should I do to maintain my health and well-being?

Ask your cancer care team about exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Even though I survived cancer, will I feel different physically?

Cancer treatment has a different effect on everyone. For some people, there are severe side effects from treatment. Be aware of the possible short- and long-term effects that may arise.

Some treatments can affect a person's heart, energy, or fertility (being able to get pregnant or to get someone pregnant). Ask your oncologist how your treatment could affect your long-term physical and mental health.

There may be a program in your community to help you manage these side effects. See Support Services and Community Resources for more information.

Will I have trouble getting health insurance or keeping a job because of my cancer?

Having cancer can affect:

• Access to health insurance or life insurance
• The ability to keep a job
• How easy it is to move between jobs

Ask your cancer care team for information about resources available to you if you are:

• Treated unfairly in your job due to your cancer
• Treated unfairly when applying to jobs due to your cancer
• Unable to access or keep health insurance and life insurance
• Looking for support for going back to work

Are there support groups I can join?

A member of your cancer care team can provide a list of organizations or groups that can offer information on issues you may face after treatment. Visit the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library to get information about support groups.

Now that I have finished treatment, who on the team will monitor my care?

Find out from your cancer care team who will be in touch with your primary care provider (such as your family doctor). This team member will arrange follow-up care related to your cancer treatment. Follow-up care is the health care you have after cancer treatment has finished. Follow-up appointments will involve regular check-ups with your oncologist or primary care provider.​