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Sticking to your treatment plan, also known as adherence, is very important, but can also be challenging. 

Here, we will explain what adherence is, why following your treatment plan is important, and what you can do if you are struggling to do so. 

What is adherence?

In practical terms, this means1:

  • Taking your medication at the right time and in the correct dosage
  • Completing the full course or cycle of treatment
  • Going to all of your medical appointments and follow-ups
  • Following any diet or lifestyle changes recommended by your healthcare team

There are many reasons why it can be tough to stick to a cancer treatment plan. Physical side effects like feeling sick, being more tired than usual, or having night sweats can make it difficult to keep up with treatment.2,3 

For some, practical issues like not having transport can make attending appointments challenging. Patients taking medication at home may also forget doses or struggle with the routine.

Why following your treatment plan is important

Adherence is important because it gives you the best chance of having positive treatment outcomes.4

Not taking your medication, or not taking it as you should, could lead to4:

  • Your treatment not working properly
  • You experiencing more side effects
  • Difficulty in doing daily activities
  • A lower quality of life
  • Your condition becoming worse

Tips for taking your treatment

  1. Set reminders: Using calendars or an app on your phone to remind you to take your medications or attend appointments could be useful5
  2. Create a routine: Try to make taking your medication part of your daily routine, like having it with a meal or when you brush your teeth5
  3. Communicate: Speak to your healthcare team about any challenges you may have. They can offer support or adjust your treatment plan if needed6
  4. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Having someone there to remind you to take your medication, or encourage you to keep going, can make a big difference7
  5. Learn more: Asking your doctor or healthcare team to talk you through your treatment plan and its benefits can help motivate you to stick with it8
  6. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Having someone there to remind you to take your medication, or encourage you to keep going, can make a big difference7
  7. Learn more: Asking your doctor or healthcare team to talk you through your treatment plan and its benefits can help motivate you to stick with it8

What to do if you're struggling

If you're finding it tough to keep up with your treatment plan, know that you're not alone. Many people face similar challenges. It's important to speak openly with your healthcare team. They can provide support and resources to help you. 

If side effects are making it difficult to stick to your treatment plan, we have articles with practical tips to help you manage them. The articles offer tips that could help you cope with common side effects, so you can stay on track with your treatment. Hover over the ‘Living Well’ option in the menu to learn more.

References

  1. Chakrabarti S, et al. What’s in a name? Compliance, adherence and concordance in chronic psychiatric disorders. World J Psychiatry. 2014;4(2):30–36.
  2. Peddie N, et al. The impact of medication side effects on adherence and persistence to hormone therapy in breast cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis. The Breast. 2021;58:147–159. 
  3. Wreyford L, Gururajan R, Zhou X. When can cancer patient treatment nonadherence be considered intentional or unintentional? A scoping review. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0282180.
  4. Jimmy B, Jose J. Patient medication adherence: measures in daily practice. Oman Med J. 2011;26(3):155–9. doi: 10.5001/omj.2011.38.
  5. Specialist Pharmacy Service. Reminding how to use or take medicine: supporting adherence. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/reminding-to-take-medicines-supporting-adherence/ [Accessed April 2025].
  6. Specialist Pharmacy Service. Explaining how to use or take medicines: supporting adherence. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/explaining-how-to-use-or-take-medicines-supporting-adherence/ [Accessed April 2025].
  7. Olagbemide OJ, et al. Family Support and Medication Adherence among Adult Type 2 Diabetes: Any Meeting Point? Ann Afr Med. 2021;20(4):282–287.
  8. CPD Online College. Tips for Educating Patients About Their Medications. Available at: https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/care/educating-patients-about-medications [Accessed April 2025].