The Importance of Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment

OncoCare

Patient Education

The Importance of Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment

If you or someone you love has finished cancer treatment, congratulations on reaching this milestone! You are now entering a new chapter of your health journey, one that is filled with hope and possibility. While the completion of treatment can bring great relief and joy to cancer patients and their families, it is important to understand the importance of follow-up care after the conclusion of active treatment.

Medical professionals in Singapore, such as doctors and oncology specialists, urge patients to take part in regular screenings after the successful completion of treatment so that any signs or symptoms of recurrence can be effectively managed or addressed. By participating in follow-up appointments and lifestyle modifications, cancer survivors can have peace of mind knowing that they are not alone on their journey toward long-term health.

Read on for more information about the importance of follow-up care after cancer treatment.

What is a Follow-up After Cancer Treatment?

It is understandable if patients are not sure exactly how they should be taking care of themselves after completing cancer treatment. This is where follow-up care comes into the picture.

Follow-up care is an essential part of the post-treatment journey, involving regular medical checkups with your healthcare provider, be it your breast cancer doctor or prostate cancer doctor. These appointments serve as a safeguard, helping to monitor your recovery progress and ensure any complications or potential relapses are caught early.

Simply put, it’s a proactive approach that aims to address not only physical health but also the emotional and psychological impacts that may manifest long after treatment has concluded.

What Does Follow-up Care Include?

While specific plans may vary for each patient, in general, follow-up care typically encompasses a series of regular medical checkups that are crucial for maintaining health after cancer treatment. These checkups typically include physical examinations, blood tests, and various imaging tests to monitor your body for any changes. This means that the scope of follow-up care extends beyond merely observing for recurrence; it also involves checking for the development of new cancers and managing any ongoing health issues linked to the initial treatment.

This level of care is vital, especially following positive results from initial screening tests like a Pap smear, to ensure that any signs of cancer or other health complications are addressed promptly and effectively.

Understanding Follow-Up Care for Common Cancers in Men and Women

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers are the most frequent cancers among males, while breast, colorectal, and lung cancers top the list for females.

For each of these types of cancer, follow-up care may look slightly different:

  1. Prostate Cancer

For prostate cancer, initial follow-up generally starts about 6 weeks post-treatment, followed by checkups every 6 months for the first 2 to 5 years, then annually thereafter. Visits typically include a physical exam and a blood test to monitor prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Depending on the PSA results, further examinations or imaging tests like a CT, MRI, or bone scan might be necessary.

  1. Breast Cancer

Follow-up care for breast cancer typically begins a few months post-treatment, with the frequency decreasing over time. Early-stage patients might not need lab or imaging tests unless symptomatic. Those with more advanced stages will have regular mammograms, and possibly pelvic exams if taking certain hormone therapies that increase the risk of uterine cancer. Doctors may also monitor bone density if the treatment has induced menopause or certain hormone drugs were prescribed.

  1. Colon & Rectal Cancer

Post-treatment follow-up usually involves a physical exam and possibly a colonoscopy about a year after surgery, with subsequent scopes every 3 to 5 years, depending on initial findings. High-risk patients might undergo more frequent CT scans to monitor for recurrence. Blood tests for tumour markers like Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) could also be part of the routine if they were elevated before surgery.

  1. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer follow-up generally includes visits every 3 months for the first couple of years, transitioning to bi-annual and then annual checkups. These appointments may involve CT scans and blood tests to detect recurrence or metastasis, with schedules adjusted based on the individual’s risk level and initial cancer stage.

  1. Uterine Cancer

Follow-up care often consists of regular visits to assess overall health and detect any signs of cancer recurrence. Appointments might include a mix of physical exams, blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans tailored to the patient’s specific situation and previous treatment details.

Why is Follow-up Care Important?

From the above, it is clear that follow-up care is vital in the journey of cancer recovery, serving multiple critical functions that extend beyond the end of active treatment. Some of the additional reasons why it has important effects on the long-term prognosis include:

1. Cancer Recurrence

Regular monitoring for signs of cancer is an essential part of post-treatment follow-up care for cancer survivors. This proactive approach helps your doctor detect the recurrence of cancer, potentially even before symptoms appear.

The likelihood of cancer returning varies depending on the type of cancer you initially treated for, as well as other factors. For insurance, certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, possess a higher chance of recurring, with about 70% of ovarian cancer patients likely to experience a recurrence. This is why it is crucial to speak to a cancer doctor or specialist to develop a personalised follow-up care treatment plan. Your medical history can help your doctor better understand the risk and manage it. With careful monitoring, you can take control of your health and potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

2. Second Cancer

It is important for cancer patients who have been diagnosed before to take part in follow-up care, as regular checkups can help prevent a second cancer. A second cancer is a new cancer that develops in cancer survivors and differs from the cancer that was originally diagnosed. And follow-up care allows doctors to track changes in your health and look for signs or symptoms of any new cancer.

Early detection of cancer can substantially increase treatment options and improve prognosis. Being aware of potential risks and signs and following the treatment plan that best suits you personally can make a huge difference in cancer outcomes. With all this in mind, cancer patients should make sure to keep up with their follow-up care appointments.

How To Plan For Follow-up Care

Since planning effective follow-up care is crucial to maintaining your health after cancer treatment, collaborating with your oncology team, including specialists like those at OncoCare, is key to developing a personalised care plan tailored to your specific needs.

So, how should you go about ensuring that your plan not only gives you peace of mind but also helps you regain a sense of balance and control over your health?

1. Understand Your Follow-Up Care Plan

As mentioned, a follow-up cancer care plan is a comprehensive outline crafted by your oncologist or healthcare team that details your complete treatment history and provides recommendations for your ongoing care. This plan not only helps you navigate medical aspects but also addresses emotional, social, and financial concerns, ensuring you have a holistic support system throughout your post-treatment phase. Understanding this plan is essential as it guides you towards a balanced recovery and empowers you to take proactive steps for your long-term health and well-being.

2. Choose Your Follow-Up Care Provider

Determining who will oversee your follow-up care is another important decision. While you can surely choose to continue with your oncologist, you may also switch to a specialised follow-up care provider or see your primary care physician. Whichever option you select, ensure that there is effective communication among all healthcare professionals involved in your care. This helps maintain continuity and coherence in managing your health.

3. Ask Your Doctor Key Questions

During discussions about your follow-up care, it is essential to ask about the expected recovery timeline, the frequency of necessary checkups, potential symptoms to watch for, required tests, and any long-term health concerns that might arise. It’s also beneficial to keep thorough records of your treatment and to seek advice on additional support, such as self-care tips and support group resources, to aid your recovery.

4. Stick to Your Follow-Up Care Schedule

Consistency in attending follow-up visits is crucial, tailored to your specific cancer type, treatment history, and overall health condition. These regular check-ins involve comprehensive physical exams and tests aimed at closely monitoring your health status. Early detection of any signs of recurrence is prioritised through these measures, enabling prompt intervention if needed. Therefore, adhering to your follow-up care schedule ensures that potential issues are identified early, optimising your chances for proper management and maintaining your well-being beyond cancer treatment.

5. Communicating with Your Doctor

Open and honest communication with your doctor during follow-up visits is vital. Discuss any new symptoms or challenges you’re experiencing, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological. It’s also important to report any changes in your health between scheduled visits promptly, as this can facilitate timely and effective interventions.

Additional Tips for Healthy Living

After completing cancer treatment, adopting a lifestyle that fosters overall wellness is crucial for maintaining your health and mitigating the risk of recurrence.

For example, a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offers essential nutrients that support your body's recovery and enhance its resilience. Regular physical activity, tailored to your recovery stage and overall fitness, can also help rebuild stamina and reduce fatigue.

For more insight, refer to our exploration of How Diet and Food Choices Can Influence Cancer Risks.

Avoiding harmful habits is equally important. If you smoke, seeking help to quit can significantly improve your health outcomes. Limiting alcohol consumption also plays a key role in maintaining your well-being. Additionally, staying vigilant with recommended screenings and vaccinations is essential for catching any new health issues early.

Entrust Your Follow-up Care to OncoCare

At OncoCare, we understand that treatment for cancer can be a long and difficult journey and are here to support you every step of the way. Our team will strive to ensure that you have the support and guidance you need as you transition to survivorship. Our cancer doctors in Singapore provide comprehensive follow-up care to help ensure that you remain healthy after completing cancer treatment and our multidisciplinary team will create a follow-up care plan tailored to your unique needs. You don't have to go through this alone, let us help you on your journey to survivorship. Arrange for an appointment to get reliable support from experienced cancer professionals.

“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”

Written by:

Dr Benjamin Chuah

MBBCH, BAO (Ireland)

MRCP (United Kingdom)

FRCP (Edinburgh)

FRCP (Medical Oncology)