After Treatment

After treatment for DIG ends, talk with your child’s doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your child’s recovery for the coming months and years. All children treated for cancer, including DIG, should have life-long, follow-up care.

Specific after-treatment care is be determined on a case-by-case basis, because there are many factors that can affect the outcome of treatment for DIG, such as tumor location, whether the tumor could be removed, the need for and type of postoperative (after surgery) therapy, and age at the time of treatment. Postoperative follow-up care with MRI scans is routinely performed to monitor for signs of tumor recurrence or growth.

Based on the type of treatment the child received, the doctor will determine what examinations and tests are needed to check for long-term side effects and the possibility of secondary cancers. Your child’s doctor can recommend the necessary screening tests. Follow-up care should also address the child’s quality of life, including any developmental or emotional concerns. Learn more about childhood cancer survivorship.

The child’s family is encouraged to organize and keep a record of the child’s medical information, so that as the child enters adulthood, he or she has a clear, written history of the diagnosis and details of the treatment given. The doctor’s office can help you compile this, and it should include recommendations from the doctor about the schedule for follow-up care during his or her lifetime.

Children who have had cancer can also enhance the quality of their future by following established guidelines for good health into and through adulthood, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and participating in regular physical activity. Talk with your doctor about developing a plan that is best for your child’s needs.

Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete.