How often and when follow up visits will be scheduled will depend on each individual and the cancer treated. In general, follow up is scheduled in the first few months following the completion of treatment, a few times in the first year and progressively less often until only an annual follow up is recommended. Ask your doctor when your next follow up is recommended.

Contact the center directly at any time if you have any concerns about your health after treatment has ended. Use your secured patient portal through MyUFHealth.

Radiation side effects vary greatly depending on the anatomical location of the treatment, the technology, and the combined cancer interventions patients receive before, during and after treatment. Skin changes are the most common side effect from radiation therapy, and typically heal on their own within a few weeks of completing radiation. Survivorship care allows the medical staff to monitor all types of side effects and promote appropriate interventions when necessary.

There is an increasing amount of cancer research supporting the connection between healthy lifestyle choices and preventing a cancer recurrence or development of a second cancer. Some suggestions from the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, include: - Stop smoking - Moderate exercise -Maintain a healthy weight - Healthy diet - Adequate sleep - Reduce stress - Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Now that you have completed the radiation phase of your treatment, we encourage you to attend support groups and/or reach out to friends and family for support. We understand how normal routines were interrupted during the time you were being treated. Be sure to take time to laugh with friends. Fill your life with things that bring you joy. The American Cancer Society also has many resources for survivorship at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship.html