Follow-up after Cancer Treatment

21.03.2024

FOLLOW-UP AFTER CANCER TREATMENT

Cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of people around the world. However, today, with advances in the field of cancer treatment, many types of cancer have become treatable. Cancer treatment includes different methods such as surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and can save patients' lives and improve their quality of life. However, there is always a risk of cancer returning after treatment. Therefore, follow-up after cancer treatment is of great importance.

Follow-up after cancer treatment is important for monitoring the health status of patients and early diagnosis of possible recurrences. This follow-up process includes recording the patient's medical history and treatment course. Medical tests such as regular doctor's examinations, blood tests, and imaging scans are also performed. Follow-up plays a critical role in minimizing the risk of cancer recurrence. Follow-up after cancer treatment also helps improve the patient's quality of life. Provides the support and guidance needed to cope with physical, emotional and psychological difficulties after treatment. It also provides information and recommendations on important issues such as the patient's lifestyle, eating habits and exercise arrangements. Patients should communicate with their doctors regularly after cancer treatment and act in accordance with their follow-up plans. In this way, the process of dealing with cancer becomes more effective and safe, helping patients move towards a hopeful future.

Image 1: Patients who are found to be improving after cancer treatment should be followed up at varying intervals depending on the type of cancer.

Although follow-up after cancer treatment may vary depending on the specific cancer type and treatment, general principles are as follows:

Regular Doctor Examinations: Regular doctor's examinations are planned after treatment and it is important not to miss these examinations.

Medical History and Treatment Records: Keeping medical history and treatment records is important to know and remember the history of the disease and to evaluate the response to treatment.

Blood Tests: Blood tests include regular checks of cancer markers (in some cancers and patients) and other important parameters.

Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET scans are performed to detect early cancer recurrence or post-treatment complications.

Self-Examination and Awareness: For some types of cancer (for example, breast cancer), patients are encouraged to have regular self-exams. It is important to be aware of symptoms and changes.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps maintain health after cancer treatment. Habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking are encouraged.

Psychosocial Support: Spiritual and psychological needs after cancer treatment are taken into consideration. Patients and their families may work with psychologists, support groups, or counselors.

Monitoring and Treating Side Effects: After treatment, short-term and long-term side effects (e.g., pain, fatigue, skin problems) are monitored and treated appropriately.

Risk Factors and Genetic Counseling: Family history and genetic risk factors are evaluated. Genetic counseling can be done to understand the cancer risk of family members.

Continuation of Drug Treatments: If drug treatments such as hormone therapy or immunotherapy are required, it is important to take them regularly and monitor their side effects.

Personalizing the Tracking Plan: The follow-up plan is personalized based on the patient's cancer type, treatment history, and overall health.

Follow-up after cancer treatment plays a critical role in monitoring patients' health, detecting recurrences early, and helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. These principles are the cornerstones of post-cancer follow-up, but it is important that they are customized for each patient and carried out under the guidance of the patient's treatment team.

Image 2: The aim of the follow-up examinations after cancer treatment is to detect possible recurrence and secondary cancers early.

FOLLOW-UP APPROACH ACCORDING TO CANCER TYPES?

Depending on the type of cancer, post-treatment follow-up may vary depending on the specific cancer type and treatment. Below you can find post-treatment follow-up guidelines for different types of cancer:

Follow-up After Breast Cancer Treatment: Follow-up after breast cancer treatment is carried out by breast surgeons and oncologists. Imaging tests such as mammography and/or ultrasound are performed regularly. Hormone therapy is followed in hormone receptor positive patients. Side effects of relevant treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, are monitored and managed. Breast self-examination is taught and encouraged to do it regularly. If genetic factors or family history pose a risk, genetic counseling and testing may be performed.

Follow-up after Lung Cancer Treatment: Lung cancer post-treatment follow-up is conducted by a thoracic surgeon, pulmonologist, or oncologist. The condition of the lungs is monitored with regular x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Respiratory function tests are performed and any respiratory problems are treated. If he smokes, he is encouraged to participate in smoking cessation programs. Side effects after chemotherapy or immunotherapy are monitored and managed.

Prostate Cancer Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Follow-up after prostate cancer treatment is guided by the urologist or oncologist. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests are performed regularly. If hormone therapy is being taken, hormone levels are checked. After radiotherapy, urinary tract symptoms are monitored and treated. Support and treatment options are offered for sexual dysfunctions.

Follow-up after Colorectal (Intestinal) Cancer Treatment:Post-treatment follow-up for colorectal cancer is conducted by a colorectal surgeon, gastroenterologist, or oncologist. Regular screening tests, such as colonoscopy, are performed. Recurrence is monitored using blood tests (CEA levels) and imaging tests. Bowel habits and digestive problems are monitored and treated. Side effects such as skin problems or radiation enteritis after radiotherapy are managed. Nutritional counseling and physical activity recommendations are offered.

These articles cover post-treatment follow-up measures specific to different types of cancer. Each patient may require an individual approach, so treatment follow-up is personalized by doctors. In addition, it is very important for patients to regularly monitor their health status after treatment and follow the doctor's recommendations.