Ask the CIS : Cancer Information Service : November 2006
"Ask the CIS" is a short, easy-to-read cancer column providing answers to cancer related questions. The column is based on the latest cancer information from the National Cancer Institute. The Cancer Information Service of the Mid-South produces four columns, in question-and-answer format, monthly.
Q: After my cancer treatment is over, what kinds of medical records and information should I keep?
It is important for people to keep records of their health history. Patients may not always see the same doctor for their follow-up care, so having this information available to share with another doctor can be helpful. It is important to keep track of the following types of information:
- Specific type of cancer (diagnosis)
- Date(s) of cancer diagnosis
- Details of all cancer treatment
- Contact information for all doctors and other health professionals involved in treatment and follow-up care
- Complications that occurred after treatment
- Information on supportive care received (for example, pain or nausea medication, emotional support, and nutritional supplements)
More information about follow-up care is in the NCI fact sheet Follow-up Care: Questions and Answers. You can call the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER for a free copy. The fact sheet is also available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/followup .
The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) is one of the country’s most trusted resources. Ask the CIS is distributed by the (region) CIS, which serves (list states). Call the CIS toll-free at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
