Life after treatment

Once your treatment has finished, you will have regular check-ups including physical examinations and you may have further imaging scans. Let your doctor know immediately of any health problems between visits.

Learn more about:

• Ways to look after yourself
• When the cancer is advanced

Ways to look after yourself

Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it is important to look after your wellbeing.  Cancer Council has free information and programs to help you during and after treatment. Call 13 11  20 to find out more.

	Take a break Make time each day just for relaxation and enjoyment. Think about things that help you to relax and feel good, such as reading, listening to music, taking a bath or having a massage. Keeping in touch with the world through work, hobbies, or time with family and friends may help you connect with your life outside of cancer and provide a break from your worries.
	Eat and drink well Some people with NETs, especially pancreatic NETs, or those who have had bowel surgery, may need to change what they eat. Certain foods and drinks can trigger symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (facial flushing, diarrhoea), and some vitamin deficiency syndromes may be more common. You can talk to a dietitian about what to eat. NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia has a NET specialist dietitian available and a downloadable Nutrition and Neuroendocrine Tumours booklet.
	Be active Research shows exercise can benefit people during and after cancer treatment. Being active can help you cope with some of the common side effects of cancer treatment and speed up recovery. It can also improve quality of life by giving you more energy, keeping your muscles strong, helping you maintain a healthy weight and boosting your mood. Learn more about exercise and cancer.
	Try complementary therapies Therapies such as massage, relaxation and acupuncture are used alongside conventional medical treatments and can increase your sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, manage pain and improve your mood. Let your doctor know about any therapies you are thinking of trying, as some may not be safe or evidence-based.
	Sort out issues A cancer diagnosis can cause or add to financial problems, work-related issues, accommodation difficulties, relationship concerns and family stresses. There is support available – talk to the hospital social worker or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
	Develop a care plan Some cancer centres help you develop a “survivorship care plan”. This plan includes a summary of treatment, a schedule for follow-up care, symptoms to watch out for and possible long-term side effects, potential medical or emotional issues and suggestions on living a healthy lifestyle. Visit neuroendocrine.org.au and search for “Treatment and Wellness Care Plan” for a template to record your ongoing care.

When the cancer is advanced

Because NETs are relatively difficult to diagnose and symptoms may be confused with other health conditions, a NET may be advanced when found, it may spread, or it may come back after treatment.

If this happens, there may still be treatments to remove the cancer or help control its growth and manage symptoms.

Advanced NETs may not be cured, but they can be controlled with treatment, sometimes for a very long time. Treatment will depend on the type of NET, how far it has spread, your general health, treatment goals or preferences, and quality of life.

For more on this, see Palliative care, Living with advanced cancer and Facing end of life, or listen to our podcast for people affected by advanced cancer or call 13 11 20.