Following gynaecological cancer treatment you will enter into a stage of surveilance. This could vary depending on the type of cancer you have had treatment for but in general starts with three to four monthly clinical reviews. If you have had treatment for an endometrial cancer then you may be suitable for supported self management or patient triggered follow up (PTFU). This pathway puts you in control of your hospital appointments without the need for routine follow up at set intervals and there is more information about this below.
It is important that following cancer treatment you seek advice from your CNS if you are concerned about any new or on-going symptoms.
When should I contact the gynae oncology team?
• New medical symptoms that you are worried could mean a return of your cancer.
• Problems relating to your original treatment for your cancer.
• Possible side effects from your surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.
What sort of symptoms should I tell the gynae oncology team about?
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge.
• Abdominal (tummy) pain or bloating– especially if this is consistent in nature.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain or loss of appetite.
• Ongoing constipation or diarrhoea.
• Persistent problems passing urine.
- New persistent nausea and or vomiting.
- New or changing vaginal or vulval lesions.
Please note
Some of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that are completely unrelated to gynaecological cancer, so please try not to worry while you are waiting for a response from the team.
Being body aware and educated on signs and symptoms of abnormality is one of the best ways we can prevent Gynae cancers from occuring or catching them early to be treatable. By sharing this information with your family and friends you can help spread the word and help to achieve earlier diagnosis and treatment of these cancers for the loved ones around you.
Gynaecological Cancers - A brief explanation - YouTube video
The Eve Appeal, eveappeal.org.uk, 2023
This information can be found here.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms shown above and are not currently under the Gyanecology team at HHFT, please contact your GP urgently. If you are currently under our care and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact the CNS team.
For more information and support on this topic please access the links below:
Life after cancer treatment - Audio book
Your feelings after cancer treatment
Managing your feelings about body changes
Patient triggered follow up (PTFU) is a form of follow up which puts you in control of your care, primarily used for endometrial cancer follow up. Instead of coming to hospital for routine follow up clinic appointments, you will simply be able to contact the cancer support worker directly to arrange a follow up appointment if necessary. After five years on this pathway you will be discharged if there have been no concerns and you will then need to go back to your GP if you have any concerns or notice anything unusual.
Patient triggered follow up; This leaflet explains what PTFU is, what to look our for and how to access our service.
