After your treatment has finished

Finishing your treatment may bring with it mixed emotions.

You're probably pleased and relieved that months of treatment are now over. You may be looking forward to going back to work, taking a holiday or having more energy to do things with your family and friends.

On the other hand, you may be worried that your cancer will return. You may fear you will never again be as carefree as you were before your illness.

Some patients have to learn to live with physical changes. You may have had a breast removed, for example, or treatment may have left you with a stoma, or a change in your facial appearance. You may be happy that you cancer seems to have gone, but sad that you can't be exactly as you were before.

This part of our website includes further information ideas for those who have finished their cancer treatment and are now ready to move forward with their lives.

National and local support groups

For many cancer patients, support groups offer valuable friendship, advice and help from diagnosis onwards. Many of these groups can continue to help you even after your treatment has finished.

They may offer practical advice as you adjust to a new lifestyle, for example, or emotional support from people who know how you are feeling.

Support may be offered in many ways, such as regular local meetings, telephone support, newsletters or perhaps even penfriend schemes. Many national organisations can offer free expert advice, leaflets and booklets on a range of cancer topics.

Adjusting to life after cancer
Cancerbackup booklet. Topics include leaving hospital, your relationships with others, helping yourself, returning to work, coping with negative feelings, and what happens if cancer comes back. You can view this online, or contact Cancerbackup for a printed copy (free to patients).

Livestrong (Lance Armstrong Foundation)
The Lance Armstrong Foundation has created Livestrong to offer information and support to literally help people to 'live strong' through the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer survivorship.

Facing forward: life after cancer treatment
An online booklet that looks at some of the issues facing cancer survivors and gives practical advice for looking ahead. Part of the US's National Cancer Institute website.