Follow-Up Care After Uterine Sarcoma

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.

Although returning to a normal life is key, it is also important to have regular checkups after treatment for uterine cancer. This is to be sure that your cancer is still in remission, meaning, 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, women should have 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.

  • A complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam
  • Blood tests
  • X-rays, in some cases
  • Periodic Pap smears

Make sure you tell your doctor about anything unusual in the treated area or in other areas. 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.