What to do if something feels wrong after treatment

It cannot tell you whether a particular symptom is serious or linked to cancer. Only assessment by a doctor can answer that.

It also cannot list every symptom relevant to your cancer. Ask your team which ones matter most for you.

Late effects of treatment

Some symptoms after treatment are late effects rather than cancer. Breathlessness or swollen ankles may reflect heart effects after certain medicines. A dry cough may relate to lung effects after some treatments or radiotherapy. Tiredness and weight changes may come from thyroid or hormone changes. Tingling may reflect nerve damage. These can often be treated, so report them.

When worry makes every symptom frightening

After cancer, ordinary aches can feel alarming. A useful approach is to note the symptom, watch it for a short time if it is mild and stable, and report it if it persists or worsens. If worry is constant, counselling can help.

Describing symptoms well

Clear descriptions help: what the symptom is, where, when it started, how often, how severe, what makes it better or worse, and any other changes. A symptom diary is useful.

Seeing a doctor who does not know your history

If you see a doctor elsewhere, show your treatment summary and mention your cancer treatment, as it may change how symptoms are assessed.

Children and young people

Parents should report persistent symptoms in children who had cancer treatment, including growth or puberty concerns.

Not wanting to bother the team

Many people delay calling because they do not want to waste the team's time. Reporting symptoms is part of safe follow-up.

Symptoms linked to specific cancers

Your team may give you a list of symptoms particular to your cancer. For example, after bowel cancer, changes in bowel habit or bleeding matter; after breast cancer, changes in the breast, chest wall or armpit; after lymphoma, swollen glands, fevers or night sweats. Ask for your own list.

Symptoms of blood clots

Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg or arm, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain, can signal a blood clot. Cancer and its treatment increase the risk, so these need urgent assessment.

Infections after treatment

Fever, chills, a burning feeling when passing urine, a productive cough or redness around a wound or port can signal infection. Early treatment matters, especially in the weeks after chemotherapy.

Nerve and balance problems

New or worsening numbness, weakness or unsteadiness should be reported, as they may relate to treatment effects or other causes that need checking.

Mood and sleep

Persistent low mood, anxiety, poor sleep or loss of interest are also symptoms worth reporting. They are common after cancer and can be treated.

Keeping a symptom diary

Note the date, symptom, severity and what helped. Bring it to appointments, and use it when calling the team.

When a symptom settles on its own

If a mild symptom clears within a short time and does not return, it is usually not significant. If it keeps returning, mention it.

Getting help out of hours

Know how to reach help at night and at weekends, including your nearest emergency department.

Travelling and symptoms

When travelling, carry your treatment summary and know where to get medical care at your destination.

What to do next

Know which symptoms to report, keep contact numbers and your treatment summary handy, describe symptoms clearly, use emergency care for urgent signs, and seek support if worry about symptoms becomes overwhelming.