Many people say that receiving a cancer diagnosis is unlike anything they have ever experienced. It may have a profound impact on one's life. At CSC, we want to empower people with cancer and the people who care about them. People might reclaim a sense of control when they feel empowered by their experience with cancer. This may lessen your anxiety while you deal with a diagnosis.
1. Ask your doctor how much time you have to make a decision and begin treatment.
Our innate tendency is to act right away, to take action right away. While occasionally required, this is not always the case. I advise everyone who has recently received a diagnosis, along with the CSC, to ask their doctor how much time they have to decide and start treatment. Most of the time, you have enough time to consider your options, set personal objectives, get a second view, and even speak with a decision counselling professional.
2. Know your exact cancer diagnosis and stage of disease.
Ask questions like:
What medical term best describes my cancer?
What is the cancer's current stage?
Do we have any information about my disease, such as a biomarker or genetic test, that will help inform my treatment choices?
3. Communicate your priorities.
Bring your questions and worries to your upcoming appointment on paper. As you discuss treatment options with your healthcare team, consider what information you want them to know about you personally and your goals.
4. Bring a family member or friend with you to medical appointments.
In the course of your appointments, they are able to listen, take notes, and query you. After the appointments, they can assist you in talking through the information.
5. Become informed about your treatment options and goals of care.
Here are some questions to consider:
Are there multiple treatments available? If so, what are the different treatment options?
What are the goals of treatment?
Can my cancer be cured? Or are we treating it with other goals in mind?
6. Ask about the risks and benefits of any given treatment.
Questions can include:
How effectively has the medication been demonstrated to work in my particular cancer type?
What might the medication's side effects be, and how might they be avoided or handled?
How will the medicine be administered?
How frequently will I receive treatment?
How much of the therapy and any related costs will be covered by my insurance, and how much will I be responsible for paying out of pocket?
7. Get a second opinion.
Each and every patient has the right to a second or third opinion, and your doctor should encourage you to get one. People frequently go for a second opinion from a physician at a different academic medical centre or cancer centre. This enables them to consider all available treatment choices and determine whether any recent scientific advances merit their attention.
8. Ask if a clinical trial might be right for you.
Many people don’t realize that a clinical trial can be explored at the point of diagnosis and may be a possible treatment option early on.
9. Take time to get to know your insurance coverage.
Most people agree that until you have to deal with a significant health crisis, you won't truly know how good your coverage is. To find out how much of your doctor and hospital expenses, surgery, cancer treatment, and other medications and supportive care will be covered under your plan, see if there is a financial counsellor or social worker available. Inquire about co-pays, deductibles, and other expenses you might incur.
10. Ask to be screened or talk to someone about emotional and social distress.
Please be aware that receiving a cancer diagnosis can lead to a variety of psychological problems, such as feeling depressed, frightened, scared, or bewildered. These emotions are common among those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are normal.
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