Completing the five-year mark after beating your cancer can feel like a milestone. But sometimes, the cancer that you overcame five years back can show up again in a new form. This cancer relapse can depend on the type of cancer and how well it responded to your previous treatment. This is why regular follow-up, even after you survive cancer, is very crucial.
Can cancer return after five years?
Some cancers can relapse after nearly five years of treatment. But this is not a condition for everyone, and relapse does not happen all of a sudden. There can be different factors, like your cancer stage, type of cancer, and the treatment you received in the past, that can cause the relapse. This is why doctors usually recommend getting yourself monitored so you can manage the symptoms early.
Cancer that can return
Not every cancer can return after your successful treatment. But sometimes, cancer cells can stay back in your body, even after your treatment, which can grow slowly in the background without you even realizing it.
Hormone-receptor breast cancer
Kidney cancer
Melanoma
Thyroid cancer
Ovarian cancers
Pancreatic cancer
Soft tissue sarcomas
Factors that can increase the risk
There can be different factors involved that can actually decide whether the cancer is likely to return or not.
Type of treatment you went through
Stage of your cancer
Your cancer tumor’s biology
The spread of your cancer
The lifestyle you live
Genetic factors
Signs you should look for
A new lump or swelling
Pain that keeps growing
Loss of appetite
Sudden weight loss for no reason
Changes in your bowel or bladder habits
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Recurring headaches
How does the follow-up care help?
Cancer doesn’t end after your treatment. There can be some factors related to your cancer history and your cancer stage that can case the relapse at any time. This is why keeping your health regularly monitored is very crucial. Follow-ups can help you stay on track so you can understand how well your body has responded to the treatment. You will also be able to detect any suspicious changes and take action at the earliest to prevent any major complications later.
Fighting back
Sudden relapse after completing five years cancer-free can be difficult to digest, but it is also crucial to take action as soon as possible. With the right support and early detection, you can start your treatment early. By staying aware of yourself and with a little self-belief, you can beat cancer again and return to your life.