Your appointments after treatment for endometrial cancer

Gynaecology

As part of your cancer care, you have been referred into the Patient Initiated Follow-Up pathway (PIFU).

This information explains how PIFU works and who to contact if you have any concerns.

What is patient initiated follow-up (PIFU)?

Instead of having regular follow-up appointments arranged by your cancer team, the patient initiated follow-up (PIFU) allows you to arrange follow-up appointments with the appropriate member of your cancer team if you:

have any symptoms
you have any general worries or concerns
you feel you need them

Having regular follow-up appointments does not help prevent cancer returning or find any new problems related to the cancer.

Symptoms and concerns are addressed more quickly if you tell your cancer team when you notice them, rather than waiting for a routine follow-up appointment.

How does PIFU work?

If your cancer team feel that PIFU will be suitable for you, they will discuss this with you and, if you agree, you will be placed on the PIFU pathway.

This means that you will no longer receive regular follow-up appointments and will need to contact your cancer team if you feel that you need an appointment.

What are the benefits of PIFU?

You are able to ask for follow-up appointments when you need them
A follow-up appointment can be arranged quickly with a member of the cancer team
You will be told about what symptoms could be signs of cancer recurrence (your cancer coming back)
You are able to contact your cancer team directly with any concerning symptoms
You might not have to come to hospital as often

When should I call my cancer team?

You should contact your cancer team if you have any of the following symptoms:

unexplained vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex
unusual vaginal discharge (bad smelling or unusual colour for you)
leakage of urine (wee) or faeces (poo)
pain in your abdomen (tummy), pelvis or back for more than 2 weeks
shortness of breath or a persistent cough
lymphoedema (swelling, most often in your leg) that lasts for more than 2 weeks
or if you feel generally unwell or very tired

These are some of the symptoms that may mean your cancer has returned, but remember:

many of these problems can be caused by a number of reasons
not everyone will experience these symptoms
it does not necessarily mean your cancer has returned

If you have any of these symptoms, it is always best to contact your cancer team.

We also recommend that you call your cancer team if you:

have any on-going problems or side effects after your treatment
need emotional support. It is normal to feel emotional for a while after your treatment has ended. Contact the cancer team if you have:
- low mood
- depression
- feelings of isolation
- sexual concerns
- money worries
- any general worries or concerns

What happens when I contact the cancer team?

They will discuss your concerns with you and recommend one of the following:

an appointment to see a member of the cancer team
an ultrasound scan or Computed Tomography (CT) scan followed by an appointment to see a member of the cancer team with the results
to arrange an appointment with your GP
no action is required, the reasons for this will be explained to you

Who should I contact if I have any concerns?

If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact:

Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists

Telephone: 01709 427302
Available 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays, an answerphone service is available.
They will try to return all calls as soon as possible but please be aware that this may be the next working day.