AFTER CANCER: STAYING IN THE MEDICAL SYSTEM. MORE QUESTIONS

Posted in Cancer on March 12th, 2009

Why Do I Need to Tell All Ну Doctors about My Cancer History?

If you see or speak to doctors who are not oncologists, such as your gynecologist or cardiologist, be sure to tell them that you recently completed cancer therapy. Your history of cancer treatment is an important piece of information when a doctor is determining the cause of your problem and how serious the problem is or could become.

Can I Assume That Any Noncancer Medical Conditions Will Be Detected or Followed at Ну Cancer Checkups?

Not necessarily. Your cancer doctor tailors your evaluations to look for cancer- and treatment-related problems. Their offices and practices are not set up to perform routine comprehensive medical evaluations, such as the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, low thyroid, and other common medical conditions.

In fact, most oncology offices expect you to pursue your routine cancer screening for other cancers with your general medical doctor. For example, if you were treated for lung cancer, you should have your routine colon cancer screening done with your general medical doctor and your routine cervical cancer screening done with your gynecologist or general medical doctor.

Since I Have Had One Type of Cancer Already, Do I Need to Be Screened Any Differently for Other Diseases or Cancers Than Someone Who Has Never Had Cancer?

Some cancers are associated with an increased risk of another cancer. Some cancer treatments are associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers or other medical problems. These factors will be taken into account when your routine screening regimen is planned.

If Ну Oncologist Dismissed He, How Can I Be Sure Ну

General Doctor Knows How to Take Care of Me Now That I Have Had Cancer?

Taking care of patients with a history of cancer is routine for internists and general practitioners. If you have any concerns about your follow-up,

• arrange for a visit with your oncologist to review the specifics regarding your follow-up

• request that your oncologist communicate with your general doctor by phone and/or letter, outlining the recommendations

• learn about the follow-up of your type of cancer from books, journals, and information hotlines, and discuss your findings with your general doctor.

Even if you are not actively followed by your oncologist, your oncologist is available for telephone or in-office consultation regarding questions, concerns, or new problems that arise at any time after completion of your cancer treatments.

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