After Treatment

After treatment for skin 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 for the coming months and years. Routine screening for new additional skin cancers, including whole body skin examinations by a health-care professional, is necessary as part of follow-up care. This is because many people treated for one skin cancer later develop other skin cancers. Also, people treated for skin cancer are encouraged to talk with their doctors about following a healthy diet that includes foods containing antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, and selenium.

Sun protection is essential to help prevent other skin cancers. Many people who are treated for skin cancer lead an active, outdoor lifestyle, but it is very important to take steps to protect themselves from further skin damage. Participating in outdoor activities before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM and wearing long sleeves, pants, sunscreen, and a hat will protect against further skin damage.

For most skin cancers, the surgery removes only a small part of the skin, so there is little need for rehabilitation. However, in some cases, there may be some need for rehabilitation services if surgery was more extensive. If the person treated for skin cancer is experiencing pain from surgery, he or she should speak with a pain management specialist to find ways to manage pain. Since non-melanoma skin cancer frequently occurs on the face, a plastic surgeon or facial specialist may be consulted in some instances. This specialist should be able to fully discuss the impact of the surgery on a person’s appearance. People who have surgery, particularly multiple surgeries, on their face may have a substantially altered appearance. Rarely, the eyelid may be altered. The eyelid may not close well, and the person may need to use drops to moisten the eye. In those rare cases when extensive facial surgery is necessary, the person will need support and possibly the help of a caregiver during treatment and recovery. Some of these surgeries are multi-stage surgeries and may require prolonged absence from work or other activities.

Rarely, when radiation therapy is used, there is the possibility of a second cancer, which may not appear for more than 10 years after treatment. Chemotherapy is used extremely rarely in advanced disease. It is unlikely that the chemotherapy for advanced disease would have common late effects. It is important to note that chemotherapy is not curative for advanced squamous cell carcinoma and is unlikely to cause leukemia.

People recovering from skin 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.