questions to ask when diagnosed with cancer

Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Cancer Diagnosis. You can get a second opinion online as well if time and distance are obstacles. Is there a chance that a new treatment will be found while we try the old one? Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Going to the doctor can be intimidating. Ask Questions. Know that your diagnosis is unique, and not all the information you read online will apply to you. Still, if you get the diagnosis that your cat has cancer, you owe it to your cat to keep your head long enough to ask some important questions. Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR. Or you can download Cancer.Net’s free mobile appfor a list of questions and other interactive tools to man… Being told by the doctor that you have lung cancer is never easy for anyone. Bring your questions and a notebook so you are able to jot down notes. Since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been overwhelmed. You can see a Canadian physician from the comfort of your own home, on a schedule that works for you. requesting a longer appointment if you have a number of issues to discuss, taking a friend or relative for support, or writing down answers to your questions if possible, asking your doctor to explain again, if you don't understand the answers, asking your doctor to give you a written summary of your treatment plan, asking for an interpreter if you have difficulty communicating in English (contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50). It's important to know that each patient's situation is different. When Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed. Will the results of this test make any difference to the decision on what type of treatment I have? Even a preliminary view … Ask … When the cancer cells within the prostate begin to grow around the nerves that are in the prostate, this is called “perineural invasion.” Cancers with perineural invasion have a worse prognosis. But if you’d prefer to be more informed, here’s a list of starter questions that will give you a well-rounded view of your case. can I work, have sex? For questions about other topics, see our complete list of Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cancer. The stage of your cancer influences your treatment plans and your chances of recovery. Richard Burkhart, M.D., a surgical oncologist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, answers frequently asked questions about liver cancer: It is up to you how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment. 5. If they’re unable, you can contact a medical society and ask for a recommendation. 5. Knowing exactly what type of cancer you have is the first step in becoming an informed patient. Will that make any difference? What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away? The type of questions you have are likely to change depending on what stage of treatment you are in. There are lots of emotional and logistical struggles that come up when undergoing cancer treatment. They need to be the ones to answer some specific questions you may have, and they want to be able to answer all of your questions. Ask for a copy of your medical file to be sent along to your second doctor. Liver cancer in the United States has tripled since 1980 and is becoming one of the most common types of cancer nationally. When cancer is diagnosed you enter into a partnership with your doctor and other health care professionals. “Should there be any imaging tests performed?” Since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been overwhelmed. Progress funded and accelerated by the Prostate Cancer Foundation means patients can expect to live longer, more productive lives. Encourage your family to do the same. Ask for an appointment with an oncologist at a different medical institution from the one you’re currently with, as you’ll be cared for by different attendants and pathologists. What type of cancer do I have? Your health care team should make time to explain the treatment options and answer your questions. Some steps you can take to lower your risk factors are: Getting rid of these risk factors will boost your health and help you gain strength before your treatments begin. If you’d like a second opinion on your diagnosis, or want to speak to a patient navigator, click here to read more about our virtual oncology options. How can I better cope with my diagnosis? Where your cancer is located, how far it’s spread, and whether any other areas of the body are affected are all important details. When cancer is diagnosed you enter into a partnership with your doctor and other health care professionals. Is the kind of cancer I have treatable? 7. It can be reassuring to see another doctor to confirm you were properly diagnosed and that your treatment plan makes sense. Most of all, a navigator is a knowledgeable and empathetic shoulder to lean on during this tough time. make an informed choice of treatment from the options available to you. Your cancer specialist or clinical nurse specialist will answer any questions you have. Is telehealth available for any part of my care? What are my treatment choices? Following a cancer diagnosis of cancer, you and your family are likely to have many questions. Do you participate in my private health insurer’s gap cover scheme and will you treat me under this arrangement? I would like some time to make a decision. Who will be responsible for my medical care? 3. Diagnosing and treating cancer is incredibly complex because each patient brings unique factors to the table. Following a cancer diagnosis of cancer, you and your family are likely to have many questions. Ask your doctor to refer you to a colleague who isn’t closely connected with them. Use the menu to see other pages. Is it possible to cure or control my cancer? Make sure that any test results and biopsy samples are included. Related Resources. The “stage” of your cancer refers to how advanced it is at the time of diagnosis. The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights | Second Edition, Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, National Secondary Students' Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) survey, Explore Resources for health professionals, be specifically informed about the details of your care. 1. In this case, the diagnosis of cancer is not 100 percent certain until after the tumor has been re… How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends? There’s no right or wrong way to navigate your cancer treatment. This sudden news can leave you feeling paralyzed — like you don’t know where to turn or what to do next. I recommend the following questions for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Because of this complexity, hospitals and research labs conduct thousands of clinical trials each year aimed at advancing therapies for specific types of cancers. Can I withdraw from the clinical trial at any time? You can expand your search as well. What is the extent of spread (stage) of the cancer? All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Knowing your stage can help your doctor set expectations for your treatment roadmap. Quitting smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke. A cancer diagnosis turns a person’s world upside down emotionally, financially and physically. If the costs change, when will you let me know? Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful. Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer . A patient navigator is a great help in this process. Women are advised to consume less than 10 drinks a week, and men should aim for under 15. For others, knowing all the nitty gritty details can feel like it’s adding extra stress. You may find it helpful to take the list to the next appointment and to write down the … Emphasize whole plant foods that have vitamins, minerals and fiber. When confronting bladder cancer, these are the ten questions that are essential to ask your urologist: 1. Like most diseases, cancer is more easily treated if caught early. If you’re interested in these trials, ask your doctor if there are any taking place at their hospital, and if you’d be eligible to participate. What stage is … 1. Finding Health Care Services. This may help you think of other questions you want to ask. Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your doctor may have diagnosed you via biopsy, tumor removal, physical exam or imaging tests. This may change over time, so keep your doctor informed about your preferences. If so, how much? Will the treatment affect my fertility/ability to have children? Which do you recommend for me and why? Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Cancer. For some, asking the right questions helps them take an active role battling the disease. Will I have out-of-pocket costs? They should also offer you some written information about the treatment … If you think you have breast cancer, it us always good to ask an oncologist regarding the same so that there are no confusions and proper treatment is obtained at the right time. How much will treatment cost? Who else or what other services may be involved in my care? You can ask questions about anything you do not understand. Are there any suitable clinical trials available? Avoiding alcohol, or drinking in moderation. Appointments are usually confirmed within 72 hours, so you don’t have to wait to set your mind at ease. To get the most out of your visit you might consider: During the course of your treatment you may be asked if you would like to take part in a clinical trial. Diagnosed with Lung Cancer – Questions to Ask your Doctor. How much or how little information you want is up to you. Being diagnosed with cancer or any major illness is overwhelming and confusing. Feline cancers are just as difficult and confusing as the human sort. However, this checklist of questions, along with follow-up questions and insights from Dr. Matasar, is intended for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis is a very emotional, confusing time. By Kim Peiffe r This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 7 Questions to Ask Your Doctor If You’re Diagnosed With Metastatic Breast Cancer Stage IV breast cancer isn’t curable—but it is treatable. Even just wrapping your head around what your diagnosis means can be difficult since “cancer” is really a collection of different diseases. What is the name of my cancer or condition? Any cancer questions you have are legitimate and valid; don’t be anxious about asking. Reviewed: August 9, 2018; If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. Questions to Ask Your Doctor: When You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have more reason for hope than ever before. Very few of us expect to receive a cancer diagnosis. What would I have to do as part of the clinical trial? Cancer Council is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income tax Exempt Charity. What are the benefits and risks to me in having this test? What are the possible side effects of treatment? I recommend that every newly diagnosed person ask their oncologist or treating physician these all-important questions: 1. 3. Minimize processed foods, especially processed meats. 2. A navigator may accompany you to your treatments, suggest questions to ask your doctor, assist you with scheduling appointments, and help you understand symptoms and side-effects you might be experiencing. Worldwide, more than 700,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Talking often with your health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. Every cancer diagnosis is unique, but cancers themselves can be divided into a few categories: There are over 100 different diseases that can be classified as cancer, and they affect all parts of the body. What treatments are available to relieve my symptoms? Are there programs that can provide financial assistance? Do I need to change what I eat during treatment? Talking frankly and openly with your doctor and the rest of your cancer care team is also important. Would a clinical trial be right for me? When will I have to pay? How was the diagnosis established? Can this be itemised? 4. They can also help you attain financial and legal support if required. 6. Who can I speak to about my financial situation? You may want to print the list of questions below to bring to your next appointment. Have some days of the week where you don’t drink at all. You might feel rushed and forget to ask questions that are important. Discover how Maple is helping Canadians every day. Can I be treated/see you as a public patient? Since no two diagnoses are alike, your doctor will determine what course of treatment makes most sense given your personal health factors. From there you can research the best ways to take care of yourself, what treatments are recommended, and what clinical trials you might be eligible for. Are there any other treatment options that are as effective but cost less? It can be hard to know what questions to ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. We suggest that you bring a list of all your questions to your first visit. Mentioned below are 12 questions you can ask an oncologist online. It can be indolent and non-aggressive, or life-threatening, and everything in between. Being educated about your type of cancer and options for treatment is very important. You can also ask for a referral letter from your doctor. Choose the questions that fit your, or your child’s, situation and add questions of your own. What kind of care will I receive to keep me comfortable if I decide not to have active treatment for my cancer? Receiving a cancer diagnosis is difficult. A patient navigator is someone who is trained to help cancer patients as they negotiate their treatment. Will there be additional fees? 2. How can the cost be reduced? Here are some tips to help you communicate better with the members of that team: 1. The gold standard for diagnosing cancer is a biopsy, but not all cancers can or should be biopsied. Any person who has been recently diagnosed with cancer can learn more about their disease by asking their doctors five important questions. Dr. Matasar says that it’s important that your doctor clearly explain the kind of cancer … Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects? Can they be prevented or controlled? These clinical trial therapies are sometimes more effective than the regular standard of care a hospital might provide. 14 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis. We offer oncologist appointments over computer, tablet or smartphone. Where is the cancer in my body? 2. How will we know if the treatment is working? Yet, you are forced to face the reality soon - there are doctors to visit, treatments to choose from and so many other things to do. Your doctor shouldn’t have a problem with you seeking a second opinion. Are they temporary or permanent? 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