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Esophageal Cancer (cont.)

Follow-Up Care

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You'll need checkups after treatment for esophageal cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted and treated if needed. If you have any health problems between checkups, you should contact your doctor.

Checkups may include a physical exam, blood tests, chest x-ray, CT scans, endoscopy, or other tests.

You may want to ask your doctor these questions after you have finished treatment:

  • How often will I need checkups?


  • Which follow-up tests do you suggest for me?


  • Between checkups, what health problems or symptoms should I tell you about?

Sources of Support

Learning you have esophageal cancer can change your life and the lives of those close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It's normal for you, your family, and your friends to need help coping with the feelings that a diagnosis of cancer can bring.

Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. You may also worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities. Here's where you can go for support:

  • Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities.


  • Social workers, counselors, or members of the clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, social workers can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.


  • Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk with a member of your health care team about finding a support group.


  • Information specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER and at LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov/help) can help you locate programs, services, and publications. They can send you a list of organizations that offer services to people with cancer.

Patient Comments

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Esophageal Cancer - Types Question: What type of esophageal cancer did you have?
Esophageal Cancer - Risk Factors Question: Did you have any of the risk factors for esophageal cancer at the time of your diagnosis? If so, what were they?
Esophageal Cancer - Diagnosis Question: How was the diagnosis of your esophageal cancer established?
Esophageal Cancer - Treatment Question: What treatment did you receive for your esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer - Surgery Question: What type of surgery did you receive for your esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer - Second Opinion Question: How did you go about getting a second opinion for your esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer - Follow-Up Care Question: What type of follow-up care did you receive for your esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer - Symptoms and Signs Question: What were the symptoms and signs you experienced with esophageal cancer?
Esophageal Cancer - Prognosis Question: What is your esophageal cancer prognosis?
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