Cancer Remission and Recurrence, Specifically Understood? When you have cancer, you especially want to hear your doctor tell you that cancer remission marks a major shift in cancer treatment, but do you know specifically what cancer remission entails? There are two types of remission: Partial remission: This means that the cancer is still there, but the tumors are getting smaller or, in the case of cancers such as leukemia, there is less cancer in the body as a whole. The cancer can be thought of as a “chronic disease,” but it requires ongoing checkups and treatment. A partial remission means that the treatment is working well, as long as the cancer does not continue to grow. Complete remission: This means that tests, physical exams, and scans show that all signs of cancer have disappeared, but it does not mean that you have recovered because there is no way to know if all of the cancer cells in your body have disappeared, which is why many doctors don’t use the word “cured” for cancer. If the cancer does come back, it usually happens within 5 years of the initial diagnosis and treatment. Understanding “recurrence” Some cancer cells may go undetected in the body for years after treatment. If the cancer comes back after remission, it is called a “recurrence”. Patients are often concerned about whether they will experience a recurrence, but each case is different, so it is impossible to predict what will happen in the future. It is recommended that continued checkups and follow-up visits are needed to see if there are any signs of cancer or to ask questions about health issues related to treatment. Even if there are no symptoms, it is important to have the appropriate tests, which include physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests.