The short answer
After treatment, your care often involves both your cancer team and your primary care doctor, who usually takes on more of your general health over time. A survivorship care plan helps everyone stay coordinated so nothing falls through the cracks.
After treatment, both your cancer team and primary care doctor play a role.
Your primary care doctor often takes on more general care over time.
A survivorship care plan keeps everyone coordinated.
Know who to contact for cancer-related versus general concerns.
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The full explanation.
Who is involved after treatment
When active treatment ends, your care usually continues with your oncology team for cancer-specific follow-up, while your primary care doctor looks after your general health. Over time, especially if all is going well, more of your care may shift to your primary care doctor.
Why coordination matters
With more than one doctor involved, it helps to be clear on who does what — who orders follow-up scans, who manages blood pressure or other conditions, and who to call with a new symptom. Good coordination means important checks are not missed or duplicated.
How a care plan helps
A survivorship care plan — a written summary of your treatment and follow-up schedule — is the tool that keeps everyone on the same page. Sharing it with your primary care doctor helps them understand your history and what to watch for, including possible late effects.
Your part
Keep your own copy of your treatment summary and care plan, know who to contact for what, and bring your history to new appointments. Being an active partner helps your care stay joined up.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Who looks after me after treatment?
Usually both your oncology team, for cancer follow-up, and your primary care doctor, for general health. Over time, more care may shift to primary care.
▸Why does coordination matter?
With several doctors involved, being clear on who does what means important checks are not missed or duplicated.
▸How does a survivorship care plan help?
It is a written summary of your treatment and follow-up that keeps your oncology team and primary care doctor coordinated.
▸What should I keep?
Keep your own copy of your treatment summary and care plan, and bring your history to new appointments.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
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Your next step
Prepare for survivorship and follow-up appointments.
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