Patients should be reminded that it is their responsibility to keep their recommended follow-up appointments. The objectives of the follow-up visits are as follows:
- To determine the patient's immediate response to the treatment employed
- Early recognition and prompt management of treatment related complications
- Early detection of persistent or recurrent disease
- Collection of meaningful data regarding the efficacy of existing treatment policies and their complications so that any appropriate modifications can be instituted
These objectives are best met by having the initial follow-up examination performed by the Agency medical staff. When appropriate, arrangements will be made for follow-up by the referring physician.
Post Radiation or Post Radical Surgery
| Year 1 |
every month for first three months then: every two months |
| Year 2 |
every four months |
| Years 3-5 |
every six months |
| Years 5+ |
annually |
Note: Follow-up consists of general exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear. Other investigations such as CT can be requested as required for specific indications. Interpretation of Pap smears in the first 3 months after surgery or radiotherapy can be extremely difficult and not helpful. After this interval they can be performed.