One important part of your life as a cancer survivor is follow-up care. Here is a guide to the steps you should take once your cancer treatment ends to ensure you receive the care you will need as a cancer survivor.

Choose a doctor for your follow-up care
You will need to choose a doctor you feel comfortable with for your follow-up care. You have options when it comes to who you will see. You might choose to see the same doctor who treated your cancer.

Develop a checkup schedule for your follow-up care
When you go for your first post-treatment visit with your doctor, ask your doctor to design a schedule of follow-up care appointments for you. Your follow-up care appointment schedule depends on the type of cancer you had, the treatments you received and any side effects you experienced. Your doctor might recommend checkups every three or four months for the first few years after your treatment, then once or twice a year after that. Be aware that your health insurance plan may restrict your number of follow-up care visits.

During follow-up care appointments, your doctor will usually review your medical history, evaluate your current symptoms and examine you. Your doctor is looking for signs that:

• Your cancer has come back (recurrence)
• Your cancer has spread (metastasis)
• You have developed another type of cancer (second primary cancer)
• You are experiencing continued side effects of your cancer treatment
• You have developed late side effects of your cancer treatment
• You have developed other medical conditions.

Depending on the type of cancer and treatment you have had, your doctor may also do other tests. These might include blood tests or imaging studies, such as X-rays and scans. In some instances, your doctor may order physical or occupational therapy to help enhance your recovery.

Recommended screening for different type of cancer
Breast cancer : Monthly breast self-exams, annual mammogram, physical exam every six months for the first five years and annually after that.

Colon cancer: Carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) may be tested every three months for the first two years, then every six months for the next three years; colonoscopy one year after surgery, then every three to five years.

Melanoma: Complete skin exam annually, more often if cancer was more advanced.

Ovarian cancer: Pelvic exam every two to four months for the first two years and every six months for the following three years, may include blood test for cancer antigen (CA) 125.

Prostate cancer : Annual digital rectal exam; prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test every six months for the first five years, followed by annual PSA testing.

You might be reluctant to go back to your doctor for follow-up care for fear that your doctor will find more cancer. But checkups after treatment can also put your mind at ease, confirming that you are doing all you can to make sure your cancer does not recur.

Develop a long-term wellness plan
Ask your doctor what you can do between checkups to stay healthy. A wellness plan might include getting regular exercise, decreasing stress, quitting smoking, or including more fruits and vegetables in your diet. These steps can help your body heal after treatment.

A wellness plan should also include keeping your mind healthy. While it is common to fear that your cancer will come back or feel unsure of yourself after treatment, talk to your doctor about a plan to lessen these feelings. A wellness plan for your mind might include joining a support group or a prayer group, or trying meditation or yoga.

Understand what you should be watching for
After your treatment you might be worried that any small change in your body could be a sign of cancer recurrence. Even a cold, sore throat or small aches and pains might worry you. It is natural to think that every sign and symptom is a sign of your cancer coming back. Talk to your doctor about what signs to watch for. And don't be afraid to report any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Each time you visit your doctor, tell him or her about:

• Any signs or symptoms you fear may be a sign of cancer recurrence
• Any side effects that make it difficult for you to go about your day, such as fatigue and pain
• Any feelings you have, such as depression, that make it difficult for you to go about your day
• Any changes in your family medical history
• Any other health problems you have

Keep copies of your medical records
Your records carry pertinent information about your cancer and your treatment that your next doctor - or any doctors you have in the future - will need to know. The records hold keys to what late side effects or complications of cancer treatment you will likely face, and if your cancer does recur, your records will show which treatments you have received and what treatments could be considered in the future.