Finishing cancer treatment is an important milestone. Many people feel relieved when treatment ends. But it is also common to feel uncertain about what comes next. Recovery is different for everyone. You may still be managing side effects, rebuilding your strength or adjusting to changes in everyday life. Whatever your experience, support is available.
This page brings together information and local resources to help you live well after cancer treatment.
Your follow-up care is designed to monitor your recovery, manage any ongoing side effects, and identify any concerns as early as possible. Remember that your cancer team and GP are still there to support you. If you have concerns about your health or recovery, please get in touch.
Depending on your type of cancer, your follow-up may include:
You will usually receive a Treatment Summary, which outlines:
Your GP will also receive this information and play an important role in supporting your ongoing health.
Follow-up care and appointments after cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Contact your healthcare team or GP if you notice:
New or worsening symptoms
Unexpected pain
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent bleeding
Side effects that stop you doing everyday activities
Any symptoms your team has asked you to report
Understanding cancer symptoms | Macmillan Cancer Support
Between appointments
Your follow-up appointments are only one part of your recovery. Contact your healthcare team or GP if you notice new or worrying symptoms. Don’t wait until your next appointment if something does not feel right.
Information about your cancer-specific care can be found on our cancer services teams webpage or in the information provided by your clinical team.
The end of treatment is the start of a new stage of healing. Many people find that recovery takes longer than they expected. You may be coping with physical changes, returning to work, adapting family routines or learning to live with uncertainty. These experiences are common.
Finishing cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Recovering after cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Depending on your type of treatments, some side effects can continue after they are finished. For some people, they improve quickly. For others, they may last longer or develop months or years after treatment. These are sometimes called long-term effects or late effects of cancer treatment. Everyone's experience is different. The side effects you experience will depend on the type of cancer and treatment you have had.
Common side effects can include fatigue - ongoing tiredness that may not improve with rest alone, sleep problems - changes to your sleep pattern or difficulty sleeping, memory and concentration problems (called brain fog), numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (called peripheral neuropathy),swelling of an arm, leg or other part of the body (called lymphoedema) , and changes to bowel or bladder habits.
If side effects are affecting your daily life, speak to your healthcare team or GP. Help is available.
Understanding the late effects of cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
After treatment ends, you may feel many different emotions. Many people expect to feel relieved, but it is also common to feel anxious, uncertain, overwhelmed or worried about the future.
Adjusting to your "New Normal"
Life after cancer treatment may be different from before. Recovery takes time. It may take a while to get your energy back and get used to everyday life again. Be kind to yourself and celebrate each small step forward.
Your feelings after cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
It is normal to worry
Many people worry that every ache or pain means their cancer has come back. These worries often get easier with time. If you are worrying so much that it affects your daily life, talk to your healthcare team, GP or Macmillan Centre
Coping with worries about cancer coming back | Macmillan Cancer Support
Relationships, dating and intimacy
Cancer and its treatment can affect relationships, body image, confidence and intimacy. Open conversations with your partner, family or friends can help. If you have concerns, support and specialist advice are available.
Cancer and relationships | Macmillan Cancer Support
Supporting someone with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Supporting children
Children and young people may have questions or worries about your cancer experience. Honest, age-appropriate conversations can help them feel reassured and included.
Talking to children and teenagers about cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Looking after your health can support recovery and improve your quality of life.
Being physically active, eating well, sleeping well and stopping smoking can all have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. Making lifestyle changes is not always easy.
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre offers health and wellbeing coaching to help you set goals, build confidence and make changes that are right for you. We can also help you access local activities, workshops and support services.
Healthy lifestyle after cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Explore our Health & Wellbeing Toolbox for local and national organisations.
Cancer can affect many parts of everyday life, including work, finances and caring responsibilities.
You may have questions about returning to work, claiming benefits, managing household costs or finding practical support.
You do not have to deal with these challenges alone. Advice and support are available to help you understand your options and access the right services.
Making decisions about work after treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support