Cancer Recurrence
By Jeannine Walston
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Nobody wants to get cancer again. Yet cancer can come back after treatment as a
cancer recurrence. The cancer might return in the same place it first started, or it might
come back somewhere else in the body.
Tracking the potential of a cancer recurrence
After cancer treatment, patients should receive a survivorship care plan designed to address their current health and monitor for signs of recurrence. Follow-up testing may include lab tests, imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET, or X-rays), biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures. Follow-up appointments typically involve these tests, a thorough physical exam, ongoing discussions with your oncologist, and monitoring for long-term effects. Additional information may help clarify the risk of a potential recurrence.
Signs and symptoms of a recurrence
Sometimes, a symptom may make you worry that your cancer has returned. It’s important to remember that many illnesses and health issues, such as colds, infections, arthritis, or heart problems, can cause symptoms unrelated to your previous cancer. Symptoms of recurrence can vary and often depend on the type of cancer you had, yet some people have serious problems. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, contact your cancer care team right away. Other sign and symptoms are possible.
- Return of previous cancer symptoms (like a lump or new growth at the original site)
- New lumps, bumps, or swelling with no known cause
- Unexplained pain that doesn’t go away
- Weight loss without trying
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Rashes or allergic reactions (swelling, severe itching, wheezing)
- Chills, fevers, or frequent headaches
- Shortness of breath or a cough that doesn’t go away
- Blood in stool or urine
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or trouble swallowing
- Any other unusual symptoms your cancer care team has talked to you about or that you can’t explain
Treatment for Recurrent Cancer
There are many treatment choices for recurrent cancer. Overall, I suggest getting multiple opinions for your cancer recurrence condition, potential treatments, clinical trials, and further options. Integrative cancer care for the whole person is also necessary for optimal health and healing.
Major Questions to Ask
1. Is this a new type of cancer?
2. How advanced is the cancer?
3. Where is the cancer located now?
4. What are my treatment options?
What are cancer recurrence rates?
A cancer recurrence rate is a measure of how often cancer comes back among a large group of people. Recurrence rates are typically estimated and vary by cancer type. Please learn more about cancer statistics with essential insights.
What can be done to prevent cancer recurrence?
This paramount question brings forth strategies for optimal health and healing. Learn more about cancer prevention and lowering cancer risk, such as Cancer Causes & Cancer Prevention, What is Integrative Cancer Care?, and Cancer Genetics.