Your follow-up care

cancer survivorship
Cancer care
cancer survivorship

Once you’ve finished your cancer treatment, you will receive a follow-up cancer care plan. Follow-up care means seeing a doctor for regular medical checkups.

Share article

Further information

Contact the central customer service centre on

[email protected] or 0860 NETCARE (0860 638 2273)

Please note that the centre operates on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.

Contact us

Follow up medical care

Your follow-up care plan will be individualised for you, based on the type of cancer you had, and your treatment, along with your overall health.

For the first 2 to 3 years after completing treatment, survivors usually return to the doctor every 3 to 4 months, After that, it reduces to one or two visits per year. During your visits, your doctor will look for any side effects you may still be experiencing from treatment. They will also run checks to see if your cancer has returned, or possibly spread to another area of your body.

Follow-up medical treatment

Every cancer survivor should have follow-up care. Understanding your experience and what you can expect is key to allowing you and your loved ones to make plans, commit to lifestyle changes, and make important decisions.

Many survivors find themselves asking:

  • Do I tell the doctor about symptoms that worry me?
  • Which doctors do I need to see after treatment?
  • How often do I need to see my doctor?
  • Are there tests I will need?
  • How can I best relieve pain, fatigue, and other adverse affects after treatment?
  • Will it take long for me to feel more like myself again?
  • What should I be doing to keep cancer from coming back?
  • Will I have more difficulty with health insurance now?
  • Are there support groups I can go to to talk about my experience with people who understand?

During a follow-up visit

Your doctor will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Conduct a physical exam

They may also perform:

  • Blood tests
  • MRI or CT scans.

Your follow-up care may also include home visits, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, pain management sessions, physiotherapy, and group support.

At your first follow-up visit, talk with your doctor about your follow-up care plan.

During a follow-up visit

Your doctor will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Conduct a physical exam

They may also perform:

  • Blood tests
  • MRI or CT scans.

Your follow-up care may also include home visits, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, pain management sessions, physiotherapy, and group support.

Getting the most from your follow-up visit

Here are some ideas that helped others with their follow-up care.

Before your visit

  • Take a pen and paper with you for taking notes, or record the answers on your phone if your doctor agrees.
  • A friend or family member can accompany you on visits, and can help you process what is said. They might also think of questions to ask.
  • Think of questions ahead of the appointment and have them ready.

during your visit

  • Ask to see the doctor or nurse in a private room with the door closed.
  • Get to the most important questions first, in case you run out of time.
  • Try to express yourself as clearly and briefly as you can.
  • Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about all of your concerns and how they make you feel.
  • Actively ask for what you need or want, whether that’s pain relief, psychological care or nutritional advice.
  • Ask the doctor to explain things in terms you can easily understand. Try to repeat back what you think the doctor meant, to ensure clarity.
  • Let your doctor know if you need more information.

before YOU leavE

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take your medicine and about any possible side effects you might need to prepare for.
  • Don’t be reluctant to ask your doctor for more time in your next appointment if you feel like you need it. Otherwise, ask for a time when you could phone your doctor to ask more questions.
  • Ask about survivor support groups that you might be able to attend to help process your experience.
  • Enquire about any booklets or other materials they may have that you can read at home.
  • Make and keep a record of any follow-up care you have.

before YOU leavE

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take your medicine and about any possible side effects you might need to prepare for.
  • Don’t be reluctant to ask your doctor for more time in your next appointment if you feel like you need it. Otherwise, ask for a time when you could phone your doctor to ask more questions.
  • Ask about survivor support groups that you might be able to attend to help process your experience.
  • Enquire about any booklets or other materials they may have that you can read at home.
  • Make and keep a record of any follow-up care you have.