After Treatment

After treatment for cancer ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery in the coming months and years. Because HIV/AIDS cannot be cured at this time, patients need to be continuously treated with HAART by doctors who specialize in infectious disease.

For Kaposi’s sarcoma, there is no treatment available to cure the disease. Therefore, patients should be continuously monitored for symptoms and, as the need arises, treated palliatively with multiple approaches (see Treatment).

For HIV/AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer, patients should be followed similarly to people who do not have HIV. Learn more about what to expect after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer.

People recovering from an HIV/AIDS-related cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about healthy living after cancer.

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