Lung Cancer - After Treatment

Even after a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, it is very important to quit smoking. Quitting helps improve appetite and overall health and can reduce the chance of developing a new cancer.

What happens after Lung Cancer Treatment?

Follow-up Tests

The health care team will decide which tests should be done and how often, based on the type of lung cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and its response to treatment. A medical history and physical examination will be done to check about new symptoms and signs that might indicate recurrent or progressing cancer. Chest x-rays may be taken to watch for a recurrence or for a new tumor. Blood tests may be done to help monitor for recurrent cancer and for certain side effects of treatment. Additional blood tests and imaging tests may be performed, based on the results of routine tests and exams.

New Symptoms

It is important for the patient to report any new symptoms to the doctor right away.

Smoking

Even after a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, it is very important to quit smoking. Quitting helps improve appetite and overall health and can reduce the chance of developing a new cancer. Although it may not be easy, there are many resources available to help you quit smoking; contact the following organizations for more information:

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/