Page 72 - NCCN Guidelines for Patients® | Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

72 NCCN Guidelines for Patients®: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Version 1.2013
Part 7: Treatment by cancer stage
7.6 Survivorship care plan
Follow-up cancer tests
• Medical history and physical exam every 6 to 12
months for 2 years, then if normal, every year
• Chest CT scan ± contrast every 6 to 12 months
for 2 years, then if normal, every year without contrast
General health tests
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol, glucose
• Bone density
Prevention of other diseases
• Cancer screening,
• Immunization shots, and
• Dental cleaning and exams
Healthy lifestyle
• Healthy diet and weight,
• Exercise,
• Sun protection,
• Limit alcohol use, and
• No smoking
The time period during cancer treatment can be very
busy. Afterward, you may wonder what to do. It is
important to follow a survivorship care plan. Talk with
your doctor about making a plan together.
Follow-up cancer tests are given to find any new lung
tumors early. A medical history, physical exam, and chest
CT scan with or without contrast are recommended every
6 to 12 months for 2 years. If results are normal, it is
suggested that you have these tests once a year. The
yearly chest CT scan should be done without contrast.
Besides follow-up tests, tests of your general health
are recommended. After going through treatment for
cancer, it may be hard to think about taking care of
“less important” issues. However, your general health
can have a big impact on your well-being.
Likewise, take steps to prevent other diseases. Such
steps can include getting immunization shots for the flu,
herpes, and other diseases. Getting screening tests for
other cancers is also very important.
The third recommendation is to start or keep a healthy
lifestyle. There is proof that healthy behaviors can
improve your treatment results. Limiting your use of
alcohol, protecting yourself from the sun, and being
a healthy weight are important.