No matter what kind of treatment you went through, what type of cancer you had or how long you have been healthy, it is normal to worry about recurrence. You may look back on your journey and think that you could not endure it again. It is important to pay attention to symptoms without becoming a hypochondriac. Many doctors suggest a two-week rule: if your symptom goes away within two weeks, it’s generally not something you need to worry about. However, trust your instinct. If you are worried, get a check up.

It is normal to worry about recurrence because of a difficult or nonexistent treatment. However, it is important to remember that there are options for recurrent cancer that may not have been available to you in the past. Maintain an open dialogue with your doctor and treatment facility to ensure that you are taken care of on all levels.

If your feelings are so intense that you cannot get through the fears yourself, seek professional counseling. Your physician or medical center can refer you to mental health professionals who can help you handle fears about cancer recurrence.

We've listed some links to other web sites where you will find some additional helpful tips:

National Cancer Institute:

• Follow-Up Medical Care After Cancer Treatment

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO):

• Coping With Fear of Recurrence

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO):

• Dealing With Cancer Recurrence