Kidney Cancer (cont.)
Follow-up care for kidney cancer
Follow-up care after treatment for
kidney cancer is important. Even when the cancer seems to have been completely
removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because cancer cells can
remain in the body after treatment. The doctor monitors the recovery of the
person treated for kidney cancer and checks for recurrence of cancer. Checkups
help ensure that any changes in health are noted. The patient may have lab
tests, chest x-rays,
CT scans, or other tests.
The NCI has prepared a booklet for people who have completed their treatment
to help answer questions about follow-up care and other concerns. Facing Forward
Series: Life After Cancer Treatment provides tips for making the best use of
medical visits. It describes how to talk to the doctor about creating a plan of
action for recovery and future health.
Support for people with kidney cancer
Living with a serious disease such as kidney cancer is not easy. People with
kidney cancer may worry about caring for their families, keeping their jobs, or
continuing daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side
effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and
other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment,
working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member
of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or
discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker 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. Patients may
want to talk with a member of their health care team about finding a support
group.
The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can provide information to
help patients and their families locate programs, services, and publications.
Next: What does the future hold in the field of kidney
cancer? »
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