Follow up appointments after oesophageal cancer treatment

What happens?

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 may include:

• blood tests

• x-rays

• CT scan

• ultrasound scans

• endoscopy

You may also see physiotherapists and dietitians during these appointments. Seeing the dietitian as soon as you have a problem can help you sort it out before it becomes a big issue.

You can arrange to see a physiotherapist or dietitian through your doctor or nurse at the outpatient clinic.

How often are my check ups?

Oesophageal cancer guidelines say that doctors should arrange your check ups based on your individual needs. How often you see your specialist depends on:

• how you are feeling

• the type of treatment you have had

Over time, these appointments become less frequent. You may decide to only have an appointment if you have any problems or develop a new symptom.

Between appointments

Patient initiated follow up (PIFU)

Patient initiated follow up (PIFU) is a way of running check ups. This system leaves it to you to take the lead in arranging to see your doctor or specialist nurse. You might also hear this called open access follow up (OAFU).

When you first finish treatment, your hospital arranges your appointments. But once your doctors are happy with your progress you can arrange them yourself. You can do this as often as you feel you need to.

You might want to make an appointment if you:

• have noticed a change in your body that worries you

• feel it is time you had a check up, even though you don't have any particular worries

In some situations, your specialist will ask you to book in for a particular test every so often.

This system means you can organise appointments to suit your own health needs. It also means that clinics aren’t full of people who might not need to see their doctor. This helps the hospital to keep waiting times short, so you can get an appointment quickly when you need one.

You can also get support from community nurses and dietitians.