Treatment for lung cancer

Follow up after lung cancer treatment

After treatment for lung cancer, you have regular check ups at the hospital. You also have tests, including blood tests, x-rays and scans. Over time, these appointments become less frequent.

Why you might have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often are my check ups?

After treatment such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, you are likely to have an appointment with your doctor within 4 to 6 weeks after the treatment has finished.

After that, you have regular appointments with your doctor or specialist nurse.

What happens at the appointment?

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might also have tests at some visits.

Tests might include:

blood tests
x-rays
a CT scan
a PET-CT scan

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their follow up appointments quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

Read about counselling and how to find a counsellor

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.

Find out more at CancerChat

Last reviewed: 14 Jan 2026

Next review due: 15 Jan 2029

Treatment for lung cancer

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of lung cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.

Living with lung cancer

There is support available during and after treatment to help you cope. This includes support from your clinical nurse specialist, cancer charities, community services, and family and friends.

Metastatic lung cancer

Metastatic lung cancer means that the cancer has spread from where it started in the lung to other parts of the body. It is also called advanced lung cancer.