Follow-up care during and after treatment

As you go through treatment, you will have follow-up tests or checkups. Some of the tests that were done to diagnose cervical cancer or to find out the stage of the cancer may be repeated to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests.

Some of the tests will continue to be done from time to time after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can show if your condition has changed or if the cancer has recurred (come back).

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms, which may mean the cancer has come back:

For cervical cancer, follow-up tests are usually done every 3 to 4 months for the first 2 years, followed by checkups every 6 months. The checkup includes a current health history and exam of the body to check for signs and symptoms of recurrent cervical cancer and for late effects of treatment. A Pap test may or may not be done during your visits.

Learn more about what to expect when treatment ends.