All cancer treatments are different and affect people in different ways. Most people have some side effects during treatment. But some people also have late effects after having had cancer treatment.

Late effects are side effects that: 

• begin during or shortly after treatment and do not go away within 6 months – they can become permanent and are sometimes called long-term effects
• do not affect you during treatment but begin months or even years after your treatment ends. 

Late effects can sound worrying. But for some people, late effects may not affect daily life much. Other people may have to slightly adapt their lifestyle. But there is a lot that can be done to help manage late effects.

If you notice any new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse, talk to your treating team, or if you have been discharged from hospital follow up, talk to your GP

Will I have late effects from my treatment?

Your cancer team can tell you about the risk of any late effects of your treatment. They can tell you which signs and symptoms to look out for. You can ask them whether there is anything you can do to reduce the risk of these happening. They may also tell you if there are any regular tests you can have to find problems early.

Tell your cancer team if your side effects do not improve after treatment, or if you get new signs or symptoms. If needed, they can arrange tests to check your symptoms.

Some late effects may be similar to symptoms you had when you were diagnosed with cancer. It can be frightening to have symptoms after treatment ends. You may worry that the cancer has come back

Your cancer team will assess your symptoms and explain whether they could be caused by the treatment. You may need tests to check for other causes, such as the cancer coming back or a new cancer. Sometimes, symptoms are caused by other conditions not related to the cancer or its treatment.

If you notice any new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse, talk to your treating team, or if you have been discharged from hospital follow up, talk to your GP and discuss the treatment you received for your cancer diagnosis, along with the symptoms you are concerned about.

It is important for you to know what specific treatment you received, in order to know what the potential late effects of that treatment is, if you do not have a record of this please contact the East Midlands Teenage and Young Adult Late Effects Service:

Laura Cutler: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your cancer doctor or nurse can tell you if there is anything you can do to help reduce the risk of certain late effects. This could include:

• not smoking
• keeping to a healthy weight
• being more physically active.

Where can I go to talk about the practical and emotional impact of living with cancer and get responses from others who understand and have had similar experiences?

Living With Cancer - Cancer Chat | Cancer Research UK

Cancer research UK cancer nurses are on hand Mon – Fr 9-5, thewy cant diagnose but can offer support and answer questions on line. Nurses aim to reply within 5 working days

Ask The Nurses - Cancer Chat | Cancer Research UK

A space for young adults affected by cancer to chat with others of a similar age, you must be over 14 yrs to use this forum

Diagnosed With Cancer at a Young Age - Cancer Chat | Cancer Research UK