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Oesophageal cancer check ups

Milly58
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Good evening,

My husband was diagnosed with Oesophagael cancer in October 2020. After a lot of tests he began his treatment at the end of January 2021 FLOT Op FLOT. He had a lot of complications but a year on in 2021 finished his treatment. We are very grateful to the NHS staff.

He is on 6 monthly check ups. My question is in relation to these appointments. He hasn’t had any scans since October 2021. He asked why no scans were offered and was advised by his  oncologist that no scans were given unless he had any symptoms. He asked if he could pay privately but the consultant said it wasn’t of benefit to do so. No blood tests are taken either but the oncologist does examine him. I have read on the forums that some patients have scans and also see their surgeon. Do you know if follow up appointments vary in hospitals? Friends who have had or their family have had cancer talk about having scans/blood tests etc and it makes me anxious that my husband doesn’t have these tests.

Many thanks - always keeping the faith

Milly

  • Hello Milly58 ans thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your husband and all the treatment and complications he has had, this must have been a difficult time for you both.

    Follow up will vary between patients depending on the type and stage of cancer and treatment they have had and scans aren't a routine part of follow up for everyone. There is information about this here on our website.

    With oesophageal cancer the NICE guidelines here on page 14 does say that scans are not recommended in patients with no symptoms who have had treatment with curative intent. This is usually because scans are unable to pick up on microscopic cancer cells or tiny sized tumours and it is only usually when cancers start growing and then start to cause symptoms that a scan becomes useful in detecting this.

    I am sure the specialist team have talked through the signs and symptoms to look out for and if your husband starts to experience any of these or anything else he is concerned about he can contact his team in between follow up appointments.

    I hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hi Naomi,

    Thank you for your reply and the links which I’ve read. They have been helpful. We are very grateful for the NHS and the staff. It’s just when you hear others talking about scans etc. He has his next appointment in April and fingers crossed he will continue to be well and cancer free. 

    keeping the faith

    Milly

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