Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treatment and side effects

Your team will monitor your condition and check for relapse, which is most common in the first two years after your treatment.

In the first year after your treatment you’ll have regular check-ups, usually every three months. Then the check-ups will get less frequent, or you’ll be able to book an unscheduled appointment as and when you need to. Your consultant will explain how often you’ll have check-up appointments, as this will be different depending on which treatment centre you’ve been visiting.

Once you’ve finished treatment, you should contact your hospital team if you get any new swellings, notice any changes in your general health or any other signs or symptoms. If all goes well, you and your healthcare team will agree that you don’t need to be seen by them anymore (you’ll be discharged). After this, your GP will be your main point of contact.

It’s rare, but it’s important to be aware that people who have had cancer and cancer treatments are more at risk of getting another type of cancer in the future. If you notice any changes in your general health after you’ve been discharged, it’s always best to contact your GP.

We have more information about the emotional effects of finishing blood cancer treatment.

Women who've had radiotherapy to the chest or any areas involving breast tissue for their Hodgkin lymphoma treatment should be invited for annual breast screening in the future. This is because radiotherapy to the chest increases the risk of breast cancer.

If you had radiotherapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 35 inclusive, you will be referred onto the NHS Breast Screening Programme Very High Risk Programme.

Annual breast screening following radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts around 8 to 15 years after treatment. Screening doesn’t start immediately after completion of radiotherapy because the increased risk doesn’t emerge until approximately 10 years later.

Most people who are treated for lymphoma do not go on to develop breast cancer, but it's important to attend any screening appointments you are invited to.

For more information about the very high risk screening programme, see the government's Protocols for the surveillance of women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Trans men and non-binary people who have breast tissue and fulfil the criteria for very high risk screening will be invited if they are registered as female or indeterminate with their GP. If they are registered male, they will need to speak to their GP for a referral. Trans women who have breast tissue and fulfil the criteria for very high risk screening will be invited if they are registered female with their GP. For more information, see NHS population screening: information for trans and non-binary people.

Our research in lymphoma has focused on improving treatments. Read about our scientific impact on lymphoma.