Life after cancer/Chapter
Follow-Up Visits & Tests
Understanding your surveillance plan
Follow-up depends on cancer type, stage, and treatments received. The same test is not done at the same interval for every patient.
Tap headings for details
Clinical review
Physical exam, symptom review, and blood tests are the backbone of most programs. Bringing written questions helps.
Imaging
CT, MRI, ultrasound, or PET — when indicated depends on clinical rationale. Monthly PET is not routine for most survivors; your plan is individualized.
Tumor markers
Markers such as CEA (colon) or CA 19-9 (pancreas) may help surveillance; alone they do not prove or rule out recurrence.
Keep a log
Date, test result, new medicines, and side effects in short notes. Keeps files organized for second opinions or tumor board.
These pages are for education and do not replace your personal follow-up plan. Seek care without delay for new symptoms or emergencies.