Today, an increasing proportion of cancers can be completely cured. Even advanced cancers can often be kept under control so that the patient can live an almost normal life, enjoying hobbies and work.

After treatment, it is always important to monitor the patient’s condition, both because of the risk of recurrence and because of potential treatment-related adverse effects.

At Docrates Hospital, an individualised follow-up plan is made for each patient. Even so, the patient should always contact Docrates Hospital should he or she have symptoms, unusual sensations or other concerns. The most important issue for us is ensuring that patients are able to enjoy life after cancer without unnecessary worries or concerns.

Initially, follow-up focuses on the patient’s recovery from any treatment-related adverse effects. Chemotherapy, for instance, may strain the patient’s heart or disturb hormonal balance. The need for support services varies greatly from one patient to the next. We also pay special attention to the patient’s mental well-being. Docrates Health and Wellness Services helps to design an individualised recovery plan based on each patient’s individual needs.

Docrates Health and Wellness Services also offer wellness-enhancing services for those whose cancer treatments have already been completed.

Docrates Health and Wellness Services

Follow-up varies greatly depending on the type of cancer. With some cancers, the risk of recurrence is almost nil, while others pose a higher risk of recurrence.
Follow-up after treatment is generally based on:
the patient’s personal feelings,
regular laboratory tests and/or radiological imaging, and
visits to a physician.

Should the cancer recur locally, in some cases the recurrence can be treated successfully. The earlier the recurrence is detected, the better are the chances of a cure. Even if the cancer has spread to other organs, early detection often facilitates its treatment and improves treatment results. Treatment for metastatic cancer often results in lengthy disease-free periods, and an actively treated cancer does not necessarily shorten the patient’s lifespan significantly.

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Follow-up of prostate cancer

After the treatment of prostate cancer, it is important to regularly monitor the effects of the treatment. Active follow-up allows treatment to be intensified as required to halt any disease progression.

The most important goals in prostate cancer follow-up are the patient’s well-being and providing an immediate medical response should disease progression occur. Docrates Hospital offers patients with prostate cancer a comprehensive service covering follow-up visits with a urologist or an oncologist as well as the necessary laboratory tests.

We recommend that the first follow-up visit is scheduled 1–3 months after the actual treatment has ended. After this, follow-up visits every six months are recommended.

Follow-up for childhood cancer survivors

Cancer treatment in childhood often causes late effects, i.e. adverse effects that first present in adult life. It is absolutely vital for childhood cancer survivors to keep a close watch on their health and, with the help of a specialist, identify any late effects to allow an appropriate response.

Docrates Hospital also has a survivors’ follow-up clinic for adult survivors of childhood cancer. The public health sector provides follow-up until the age of about 18, after which there is no systematic follow-up. At Docrates Hospital, a top expert will help to prepare an individualised follow-up plan based on the patient’s medical history and the associated need for follow-up.