When you are told that you have cancer, your health care team will share a lot of information with you. It may be hard to remember all the details about your cancer diagnosis, cancer treatments and the side effects that may result from your treatment. You may also have questions after your treatment ends about your follow-up care, who to call about a problem and how to manage changes caused by your cancer treatment.
To help you understand your cancer treatment and what you may need as a survivor, you will be given a document called a Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan when your treatment is over. This care plan may include:
- The treatments and drugs you were given for your cancer
- How often you need to make an appointment with your cancer doctor
- The name of follow-up tests that you will need and how often the test should be done
- What doctor or other health care professional you should see for follow-up care
- Information about the chance of your cancer returning or being diagnosed with another type of cancer
- Signs or symptoms to watch for and who you should call if you see any changes
- Common long-term side effects that may result from your treatment
- How to maintain your health and well-being
- Support groups and survivorship programs
- Information about employment and health insurance
Survivorship care is an important part of your cancer journey. We are here to provide you with information as well as support and resources to meet your unique needs as a survivor.
View the following resources for more information: