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AFTER CANCER: STAYING IN THE MEDICAL SYSTEM. ONCOLOGIST

March 12, 2009

If I Was Treated by an Oncologist, Do I Still Need an Oncologist after Completion of My Treatments?

At least for a while, you need an oncologist to

• oversee your reevaluation

• advise you regarding the appropriateness of stopping treatment •advise you regarding follow-up (which tests and procedures need to be done when, where, and how)

• advise you regarding measures to prevent recurrent or new cancer or other medical problems.

•evaluate and treat any cancer-related and treatment-related complications, aftereffects, or side effects

• evaluate and treat early any future problems that may indicate recurrent problems with your cancer.

Will I Need to Be Followed by an Oncologist for the Rest of My Life?

Depending on your type of cancer and your personal cancer situation, after completion of cancer treatments you may need to be followed by your oncologist for a few more visits, a few more months, a few years, or the rest of your life.

If your oncologist advises that you no longer need to follow up with him or her, you are “dismissed.” This means that you now can do without the expertise of a cancer specialist involved in your routine care. Under these circumstances, your oncologist feels that follow-up with your internist or family practitioner will be just as good. Since you have to see him or her anyway for routine care unrelated to your history of cancer, it will be more convenient for you to see one doctor instead of two. Even if you are dismissed, your oncologist will keep your medical file and be available for questions, problems, or reevaluations at your request or if the need arises.

If you are involved in a clinical trial, you may need to proceed with follow-up with your oncologist for the rest of your life for the sake of monitoring and data collection. This follow-up will be nothing more than an inconvenience.

Can I Switch Oncologists Now?

You can switch doctors at any time. If you feel the need to switch oncologists, now is a good time because

• your treatment is complete

• you need to be reevaluated anyway

•you are about to start a new phase of cancer follow-up

Why Would I Switch Oncologists Now?

There are a number of common reasons why you might feel the need to switch oncologists after completing your cancer treatments:

•Your oncologist is very far from your home.

•Your oncologist does not participate in your insurance plan, and your insurance will not cover your current oncologist’s bills.

•You were not comfortable, confident, or satisfied with your oncologist, despite sincere attempts to make it work during treatment. You can be going to the most famous, well-respected oncologist in the world for your type of cancer. If his or her style or personality makes it difficult for you to communicate your needs, then this oncologist is not the best person to be caring for you.

•You feel that your oncologist is not interested in your care now that your treatment is complete.