What should patients tell their doctor during follow-up visits?
During each visit, patients should tell their doctor about: • Any symptoms that they think may be a sign that their cancer has returned. • Any pain that bothers them. • Any physical problems that interfere with daily life or are bothersome, such as fatigue; difficulty with bladder, bowel, or sexual function; difficulty concentrating; memory changes; trouble sleeping; and weight gain or loss. • Any medicines, vitamins, or herbs they are taking and any other treatments they are using. • Any emotional problems they are experiencing, such as anxiety or depression. • Any changes in their family medical history, including any new cancers. It is important to note that cancer recurrences are not always detected during follow-up visits. Many times, recurrences are suspected or found by patients themselves between scheduled checkups. It is important for patients to be aware of changes in their health and report any problems to their doctor. The doctor can determine whether the problems are relat
