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Questions about long-term and late effects

Work out which late effects actually apply to you, what monitoring you need, and who is responsible for arranging it.

When to use this list: An annual review, a transition to family doctor follow-up, or any point years after treatment.

Late effects lists are long and mostly irrelevant to any one person. The purpose of this conversation is to narrow that list to the two or three things that apply to your treatment, and to name who arranges each check.

Questions are stored on this device only.

What applies to me

  • Given exactly what I had, which long-term or late effects are realistically relevant?
  • Which of these would show up as symptoms, and which need testing to find?
  • How likely are they, honestly?
  • Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk?

Monitoring

  • Do I need heart monitoring — an echocardiogram or cardiology review?
  • Do I need a bone density (DXA) scan, and how often?
  • Do I need thyroid, hormone or kidney blood tests?
  • Do I need hearing assessment?
  • Do I need earlier or additional cancer screening because of my treatment?
  • Who arranges each of these — you, my family doctor, or me?

Things I have noticed

  • Could my fatigue, memory problems or neuropathy be treated rather than tolerated?
  • Could any of my symptoms be caused by hormone changes after treatment?
  • Is my current medication contributing to how I feel?
  • Can I be referred to a late effects or survivorship service?

For the record

  • What should my family doctor know about my treatment history?
  • Can this be summarised in a letter I can keep and share?
  • Are there any medications, scans or treatments I should avoid in future?
  • Should my family consider genetic testing or earlier screening?

In the room

  • Bring your treatment summary if you have one — the answers depend on doses and radiotherapy fields.
  • Ask for the answers in writing; you will need them years from now.
  • Ask who is responsible for each check. Unassigned checks are the ones that never happen.

These questions are general prompts, not medical advice, and your team knows your situation. If something here does not apply to you, leave it out. Medical disclaimer.

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