Follow up

Once your treatment is completed, your doctor may want you to have regular check-ups for a time just to make sure the cancer has not returned and that treatment has been fully successful. He or she will also check the rest of your skin for any new cancers. These check-ups are a good opportunity to discuss with your doctor any problems or worries you may have but if, between appointments, you notice any new symptoms or you are worried, it is a good idea to tell your doctor as soon as possible.

For people whose treatment is over apart from regular check-ups, CancerBACUP’s section on adjusting to life after cancer gives useful advice on how to keep healthy and re-adjust to life after cancer.

Preventing further skin cancers

Protecting yourself from the sun is even more important after you have had treatment for skin cancer. There are precautions that you can take to protect your skin.

• Wear clothing made of cotton or natural fibres which are closely woven and offer good protection against the sun.
• Protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Always wear sunglasses in strong sunlight.
• Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) whenever you are exposed to the sun. Follow the instructions on the bottle and re-apply as recommended, particularly after swimming.
• Never allow your skin to burn.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day – usually between 11am and 3pm.
• Use fake tanning lotions or sprays rather than sitting in the sun or using a sunbed.