If tumor marker levels weren’t elevated when the cancer was first found, they aren’t likely to be helpful as a sign of the cancer coming back. If the CEA level goes up again, it might be a sign that the cancer has come back, and colonoscopy or imaging tests might be done to try to find the site of recurrence. If it's high at first and then goes down to normal after surgery, it can be checked again when you come in for follow-up (typically every 3 to 6 months for the first couple of years after treatment, then every 6 months or so for the next few years). Doctors check levels of this marker with a blood test before treatment begins. Blood tests for tumor markersĬarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a substance called a tumor marker that can be found in the blood of some people with colorectal cancer. People who had tumors in the liver or lungs removed might be scanned every 3 to 6 months for the first few years.

CT scans may be done regularly, such as once every 6 months to a year, for those at higher risk of recurrence, especially in the first few years after treatment. Whether or not your doctor recommends imaging tests will depend on the stage of your cancer and other factors.

This allows the doctor to get a close look at the area where the tumor was to see if the cancer might be coming back. If you had rectal cancer that was removed with a transanal excision (the surgery was done through your anus), your doctor will likely recommend you have a proctoscopy every 3 to 6 months for the first couple of years after treatment, then every 6 months or so for the next few years. If the results of that exam are normal, then future exams often can be about every 5 years. If the colonoscopy shows abnormal areas or polyps, the test may be needed more often. If the results are normal, most people won’t need another one for 3 years. In most cases, your doctor will recommend you have a colonoscopy about a year after surgery. People who were treated for early-stage cancers may do this less often. If there are no signs of cancer remaining, many doctors will recommend you have a physical exam and some of the tests listed below every 3 to 6 months for the first couple of years after treatment, then every 6 months or so for the next few years. Your doctor visits are a good time to ask questions and talk about any changes or problems you notice or concerns you have. Some side effects might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment. Some might last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time. To some extent, the frequency of follow up visits and tests will depend on the stage of your cancer and the chance of it coming back.Īlmost any cancer treatment can have side effects. During these visits, your doctors will ask if you are having any problems and may do exams and lab tests or imaging tests to look for signs of cancer returning, a new cancer, or treatment side effects. It’s very important to go to all of your follow-up appointments. If you have completed treatment, you will likely have follow-up visits with your doctor for many years. Reminders to keep your appointments with your primary care provider (PCP) who will monitor your general health care, including your cancer screening tests.Suggestions for things you can do that might improve your health, including possibly lowering your chances of the cancer coming back, such as diet and physical activity changes.A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer.A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor.A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests.Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. Ask your doctor for a survivorship care plan Learning to live with cancer that does not go away can be difficult and very stressful. Some people may get regular treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments to try to control the cancer for as long as possible. This is very common if you’ve had cancer.įor other people, colorectal cancer may never go away completely.

You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer coming back. The end of treatment can be both stressful and exciting.

For many people with colorectal cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer.

Survivor one thing left to do win