Regular checkups can detect and treat cancer in the early stages of recurrence. Remaining cancer cells may metastasize to other sites after surgical removal, and if left undetected because the lesions are small, they can redevelop into new tumors. Each patient’s health is different, and regular reviews allow doctors to adjust treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcome.
Reviews begin with CT and x-ray imaging of the cancer site and areas prone to metastasis, CT brain exams every six months to a year, and bone scans because the bones are the most common site of metastasis. In addition, tumor markers, liver and kidney function tests, routine blood, urine and stool tests are also required. A thorough physical examination can detect metastases and recurrence of cancer when they occur.
The frequency of review should be once a month at the beginning of treatment, once every two to four months for one to three years, at least once every six months for three to five years, and once a year after that.