Cancer.Net

Printed May 19, 2013 from http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/hiv-and-aids-related-cancer/after-treatment

HIV and AIDS-Related Cancer - After Treatment

This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board [1], November / 2012
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 HIV/AIDS treatment.

For Kaposi sarcoma, there is no treatment available to cure the disease. Therefore, patients should be monitored for symptoms throughout their life and any symptoms should be managed with more than one treatment (see Treatment [2]).

For HIV/AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer, patients should receive the same type of follow-up care as people who do not have HIV. Learn more about what to expect after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma [3] and cervical cancer [4].

ASCO offers cancer treatment summary forms [5] to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed.

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 the next steps to take in survivorship [6], including making positive lifestyle changes [7].

Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete [8].


Links:
[1] http://www.cancer.net/about-us
[2] http://www.cancer.net/node/18934
[3] http://www.cancer.net/node/19219
[4] http://www.cancer.net/node/18685
[5] http://www.cancer.net/node/25394
[6] http://www.cancer.net/node/25400
[7] http://www.cancer.net/node/24583
[8] http://www.cancer.net/node/25380