Your Survivorship Care Plan

The time period during treatment can be very busy. Afterward, you may wonder what to do. Besides having follow-up tests, it is important to follow a survivorship care plan. Talk with your doctor about making a plan together. NCCN suggests the following as part of your plan:

This is an extract from the NCCN Guidelines for Patients^®. NCCN Guidelines for Patients^® on specific cancers are available to view or print out.

• Get exams and tests of your general health. After going through treatment for cancer, it may be hard to think about taking care of “less important” issues. However, your general health can have a big impact on your well-being.
• Take steps to prevent other diseases. Such steps can include getting immunization shots and screening tests for other cancers.
• Months after treatment, you may still develop problems from the cancer or its treatment. Tell your doctor if any new symptoms appear.
• Start or keep a healthy lifestyle. There is proof that healthy behaviors can improve your treatment results. If you are a smoker, see your doctor for help to stop. Your doctor may also be able to help you achieve a healthy body weight. Regular exercise and healthy foods may also improve treatment results.
• You are encouraged to have a primary care doctor throughout your life. Share your survivorship care plan with your primary doctor. Your cancer doctors should also tell your primary doctor about your prognosis, treatments, recovery time, lasting side effects, possible new side effects, and suggested follow-up tests.