Follow-Up Care After Uterine Cancer
Many women find that having had cancer permanently changes their life in a deep and meaningful way. And some women may feel that their life may never be the same as it was before they were told they had cancer.
Getting back to a normal life is key. It is also important, though, to have regular checkups after treatment for uterine cancer. This is to be sure that your cancer is still in remission. That means there are no signs of it in your body.
Here’s a typical checkup schedule used by gynecological oncologists:
- An appointment every 3 months for the first 1-2 years after treatment
- An appointment every 6 months for the next 2-3 years
- If everything is still normal after 5 years, a checkup every year
Some women may prefer to or may need to see their doctor more often.
In the checkups, your doctor will look for signs to make sure the cancer has not returned. Here’s a list of what usually happens during a checkup for survivors of uterine cancer.
Review of symptoms and new medical problems
You should tell your doctor about anything unusual or new that has developed since the last visit. For instance, tell your doctor if you’ve had any of these problems:
- appetite loss
- bladder function changes
- bowel function changes
- pain
- vaginal bleeding
- weight changes that can’t be explained by changes in your diet and activity
Although they may be signs of other problems, they may also be signs that the cancer has come back. It’s important to share any worries with a doctor or nurse.
Physical examination
- A complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam
- Periodic Pap smear testing
- Blood tests
- X-rays, in some cases
