In several provinces in Canada, specialists from the cancer treatment clinics regularly travel to other communities in their province to conduct peripheral clinics where they see new patients and follow-up patients. This may save the patients the trip to the cancer clinic. If the patient will require additional investigation or treatment at the cancer clinic, this can be arranged during the visit of the doctors to the peripheral clinic.
You may not always see your original treating physician during the visit to a cancer clinic. Doctors in cancer clinics work closely together in teams, and you may be seen by other members of the team. However, if problems arise, your original treating doctor will usually be called in.
You may be asked to continue regular follow-up visits for several years after you receive your initial treatment for cancer. This is in your best interest so that any problems that arise will be detected and treated. But it also permits the doctor caring for you to learn of any unusual developments with your disease or after your treatment.
