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The evidence-based recommendations described below outline the standard follow-up procedures for indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma surveillance once you have finished your treatment and are intended to help you and your primary care provider in knowing the most updated information for follow-up care. These recommendations are not a substitute for your cancer doctor or primary care provider’s clinical judgement and advice.
ON THIS PAGE:
Follow-up|Manage Side Effects|Know Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Returning|Specific Concerns|Support & Recommendations|Ongoing Care
Remember: it is your responsibility to book your follow-up visits with your primary care provider so they can arrange the tests you need. Indolent lymphoma can reoccur years or even decades after treatment.
Treatment for lymphoma can increase the chance that you could get a different type of cancer in the future. It is important to talk to your doctor about what other cancer screening you need and to attend all your appointments.
Since you are doing well, your primary care provider will be in charge of your recommended follow-up, which includes:
We recommend a physical exam with your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner). This may also include other tests or procedures such as blood tests, x-rays, screening for other cancers and vaccinations.
Your follow-up needs will change depending on how long it has been since your cancer treatment:
0-5 Years After Treatment
5 or More Years After Treatment
If you need a family doctor, you can find one by calling Health Link (811) or visit Alberta Find a Provider. Once you have a doctor, let them know they can view the healthcare provider follow-up recommendations at ahs.ca/guru.
Most treatment side effects will get better several weeks and months after your treatment, but it is important to tell your primary care provider about any of your side effects or emotional concerns so they can help you.
The After Treatment Book also has suggestions for managing common side effects and concerns. If you need more information, your cancer centre and the Cancer Care Alberta website has detailed patient education materials to help with Managing Symptoms & Side Effects.
You may not have enough saliva. This means you may have a dry mouth and get cavities very easily. It is important to brush and floss your teeth often and have regular visits with your dentist. You can buy artificial saliva and other products to help with dry mouth (such as Biotene®) at your local pharmacy. Download a copy of Mouth & Dental Care for other strategies to manage this. If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider.
Your thyroid gland may not work as well as before and may not produce the right amount of hormones. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid function at your follow-up visits and may prescribe you medication if needed. If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider.
A list of general symptoms of cancer recurrence is found in the After Treatment Book, see page 11.
If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider. They will need follow-up blood tests and a physical exam. If required, you will be referred back to the cancer centre.
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment to the chest wall may increase your chance of heart problems.
It’s important to stay at a healthy weight, reduce or quit smoking, eat health and keep active.
Indolent lymphomas are likely to return after several years of treatment and remission.
Monitor for new lymph nodes and report to your doctor if you notice a new enlarging lymph node.
Treatment for lymphoma can impact your sexual function, health, relationships, and sometimes causes distress over body image.
Some cancer treatments may impact your ability to have children.
If you are concerned about these or any other sexual health issues, talk to your doctor. You may be referred to a fertility or sexual health specialist.
Strategies and support are also available to help you and your partner with intimacy problems, distress, and adjusting to these changes. See Counselling & Support or Sexual Health & Cancer for resources to help you, and contact information to book an appointment with our Sexual Health Consultants.
Resources for low sexual desire, sexual health and fertility are available at your cancer centre or see Cancer & Sexuality, MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
If there are any concerns about your treatment or cancer returning, your family doctor will refer you back to us.
Note: The follow-up care information on this page is for people who have finished indolent non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) treatment and is based on the sample Transfer of Care letter from the Cancer Guidelines website. These letters have been reviewed and approved by the Provincial Tumour Teams.
This information can help you and your primary care provider understand what follow-up care you may need. It does not replace the advice of your cancer doctor or primary care provider.
At the end of your treatment, your cancer doctor may send you a similar letter with recommendations that are specific to your care.
For health advice 24/7 phone 811 a free health information service. You have options to speak with a variety of health professionals.
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