Follow up after bladder cancer treatment

After treatment for bladder cancer, you have regular check ups at the hospital.  These are to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

You also have tests including blood tests, cystoscopy and scans. Over time, these appointments become less frequent. 

How often are my appointments with the doctor?

If all goes well, the time between appointments will gradually get longer.

Usually you see your doctor at least every 2 to 3 months at first. You then have an appointment every 4 months, every 6 months and then every year. But this depends on your own situation.

What happens

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects and if you are worried about anything.

Your follow up varies depending on the treatment you’ve had:

• After surgery you go back to see your surgeon regularly. 
• After radiotherapy you go back to see your radiotherapy doctor (clinical oncologist). You also see a surgeon (urologist) for regular bladder checks (cystoscopies)

Tests you might have

You will have tests, although you don't have these at every appointment. The tests you have depend on what treatment you had, and also your situation. Tests might include:

• cystoscopy to look inside your bladder - if you had radiotherapy and still have a bladder
• x-rays
• CT scans
• urine tests
• blood tests
• tests to see how well your kidneys are working

How often are the tests?

You have cystoscopies regularly if you still have your bladder. This is to make sure there is no sign of the cancer growing back. You might have cystoscopies:

• every 3 months for 2 years
• then every 6 months for 2 years
• then every year

You have CT scans of your chest, tummy (abdomen) and pelvis. This is to check for any signs of the cancer coming back or spreading. You usually have these at:

•  6,12 and 24 months after your treatment 

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.

Tell your doctors about any continuing side effects of your treatment. Your check ups are not just to make sure your cancer is under control. They are also to make sure your treatment allows you to live as normal life as you can.

Some side effects may be permanent, such as the bladder being able to hold less urine after radiotherapy. But it may be possible to help you, even if the doctor cannot get rid of the side effect altogether.