Many oncology medicines, such as hormonal therapy for breast cancer or targeted therapy for kidney or liver cancer, are taken for months or years. Regular follow-up keeps treatment safe and effective over that time.
What follow-up usually includes
- Clinic reviews to discuss how you are feeling and any side effects
- Blood tests, for example blood counts, liver and kidney function, and thyroid tests for some medicines
- Blood pressure checks, especially with tyrosine kinase inhibitors
- Scans at intervals set by your oncologist to check how the cancer is responding
- Bone density scans for some patients on long-term hormonal therapy
Why it matters
Some side effects, such as changes in liver tests or blood pressure, cause no symptoms at first and are only found through regular checks. Finding them early lets your oncologist adjust treatment before a problem becomes serious.
Staying organised
- Keep all reports, scans and prescriptions together in one folder
- Note the date of your next appointment and blood test
- Keep an up-to-date list of every medicine you take
- Write down your questions before each visit
Continuity of supply
Interruptions in an oral cancer medicine can affect treatment. Plan refills in advance, and tell your oncologist straight away if you cannot get your medicine, so they can advise you.
When to contact your doctor between visits
Contact your care team promptly about any new or worsening symptom, especially fever, bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe diarrhoea.