Congratulations on completing your treatment for head and neck cancer! Your next step is post-treatment care. This resource explains what happens over the next few years.
The first 30 months (2 and a half years) after treatment
When your treatment is done, you’ll meet with your head and neck care team. You’ll keep seeing them on a regular schedule every few months. During this post-treatment period, please talk with your care team if you have concerns about your health.
During this period, it’s important to see your primary care provider for routine care. If you don’t have a primary care provider, we encourage you to find one. You should also see your dentist for regular dental cleanings every 3 to 6 months.
This chart shows your schedule for the first 30 months after your cancer treatment ends (the date you finish radiation). You’ll have follow-up visits with your treatment team, including your surgeon, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist.
| Months after your treatment ends | How often you see your care team | What happens during the visit | Who will see you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 24 months (0 to 2 years) | Every 3 months |
| Primary cancer treatment team. You may see different team members each visit. |
| Every 6 to 12 months |
| ||
| Every 12 months |
| ||
| 24 to 30 months (2 to 2.5 years) | Every 6 months |
| Primary treatment team. You may see different team members each visit. |
| Every 6 to 12 months |
|
Starting 30 months (2 and a half years) after treatment
Your risk of cancer coming back is very low 30 months after your treatment. We call this the long-term phase. Our head and neck long-term and Survivorship providers will care for you during this time. Your care and survivorship clinic visits will help you maintain a healthy, good quality of life.
During this period, we’ll:
- Screen for cancer that came back and any new cancers of the head and neck.
- Manage long-term side effects of your treatment.
- Screen for other cancers and health problems.
You no longer need regular follow-up visits with your treatment team. Instead, you’ll have clinic visits. Here’s an example of a follow-up visit schedule for the next few years:
| Months after your treatment ends | How often you see your care team | What happens during the visit | Who will see you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 60 months (2.5 to 5 years) | Every 12 months (once a year) |
| Your care team during this long-term phase. |
| 5 years and later | Every 12 months (once a year) |
| Your care team during this long-term phase. |
Lung cancer screening
You need a lung cancer screening (CT scan of your chest) if you:
- Are age 50 years or older.
-
Have smoked an average of:
- 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.
- A similar amount (2 packs a day for 10 years).
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