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. An important part of follow-up care is routine screening for new additional skin cancers, including whole body skin examinations by a health care professional. 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 yourself from further skin damage. Participating in outdoor activities before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM and wearing long sleeves, pants, sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat will protect against further skin damage. Learn more about protecting your skin from the sun [2].

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 [3] services if surgery was more extensive. 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 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.

ASCO offers cancer treatment summary forms [4] to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed.

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 the next steps to take in survivorship [5], including making positive lifestyle changes [6].

Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete [7].