What follow-up tests do I need after my cancer treatment ends?
The short answer
After treatment, a surveillance schedule of visits, imaging, bloodwork, and (for some cancers) tumor markers or scopes is designed to catch recurrence early. Because the right schedule depends on your cancer type and stage, it is worth knowing yours exactly rather than assuming it is handled.
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Who this applies to
Anyone who has finished or is finishing active treatment. This is the survivorship phase, where a clear surveillance plan is one of the most important and most often under-explained parts of care.
What surveillance is and why it matters
Surveillance is the planned schedule of follow-up after treatment. Its job is to catch a recurrence, or a new cancer, early enough to act, and to manage the longer-term effects of treatment. The schedule is specific to your cancer type, stage, and the treatment you had, which is why a generic "come back if something feels wrong" is not enough.
What it usually includes
Most surveillance plans combine several elements, per NCCN survivorship guidance: history and physical exams on a set schedule; imaging (such as CT, MRI, or PET) at defined intervals; bloodwork, sometimes including tumor markers where they are validated for your cancer; and, for some cancers, scopes (for example colonoscopy after colorectal cancer). Frequency is typically higher in the first two to three years, when recurrence risk is greatest, then spaces out.
Know your red-flag symptoms
Between scheduled visits, certain symptoms warrant an earlier call rather than waiting. Ask your team which specific symptoms, for your cancer, should prompt you to reach out right away. The answer is different for each cancer type.
Questions to ask your oncologist
- What is my exact surveillance schedule, and for how many years?
- Which tests will I have, and how often: imaging, bloodwork, tumor markers, scopes?
- What specific symptoms should make me call you sooner rather than wait for my next visit?
- Who is responsible for tracking my follow-up: you, my primary care doctor, or both?
Check this against your case
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Written by OpenCancer’s science team and grounded in NCCN and NCI guidance. Independent medical review by our clinical team is in progress.
For informational purposes only. This page is grounded in published guidelines and is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.