| Regular follow-up exams; including a pelvic exam, a | | | | health care team can answer questions about |
| pap test, and other laboratory tests, are very | | | | treatment, working, or other activities. Also, meeting |
| important for any woman who has been treated for | | | | with a social worker, counselor, or a member of the |
| changes to the cervix or for cervical cancer. The | | | | clergy can be helpful to patients who want to talk |
| woman should have frequent tests and exams for | | | | about their feelings or discuss their concerns. |
| several years so that the doctor can check for any | | | | Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, it |
| signs that the condition has returned. | | | | helps many patients to discuss their concerns with |
| Cancer treatment can cause side effects many years | | | | others who have cancer. Cancer patients often get |
| later. For this reason, patients should continue to | | | | together in support groups, where they can share |
| have regular checkups and should report any health | | | | what they have learned about coping with cancer |
| problems that appear. | | | | and the effects of treatment. It is important to keep |
| Living with a serious disease is not easy. Cancer | | | | in mind, however, that each patient is different. |
| patients and those who care about them face many | | | | Treatments and ways of dealing with cancer that |
| problems and challenges. Coping with these problems | | | | work for one person may not be right for another, |
| is often easier when people have helpful information | | | | even if they both have the same kind of cancer. It is |
| and support services. | | | | a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and |
| Some worries that cancer patients may face can | | | | family members with the doctor. |
| include holding their job, caring for their family, or | | | | Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can |
| keeping up with daily activities. Worries about tests, | | | | suggest groups that can help with rehabilitation, |
| treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are | | | | emotional support, financial aid, transportation, or |
| common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the | | | | home care. |