Talk with your doctor about the treatment options for your type and stage of cancer. These options may include: Surgery
Full Answer
What should you do if diagnosed with cancer?
Your personal care plan should include the following:
- Try to keep life “as normal as possible,” says Fincannon. “You’re more than a cancer patient -- you’re who you were before” your cancer diagnosis, she says.
- Exercise as much as you can. ...
- Staying positive is important. ...
- Learn to rely on others. ...
- Consider speaking with a mental health professional, particularly if you are depressed or anxious. ...
How to help someone living well with cancer?
What you can do: How to offer support
- Provide emotional support through your presence and your touch.
- Help the caregiver. ...
- Offer practical ideas on what you can do to help, and then follow through.
- Assume your help is needed, even if there are others also helping out.
How to be a good friend to someone with cancer?
People who ... Although toxic friends and friendships can be unhealthy, they can also teach us invaluable lessons about life and ourselves and eventually make us better versions of who we are. After a toxic friend has left your life for good, the chances ...
How to respond when you are diagnosed with cancer?
- The expenses, side-effects and chances of success can vary greatly so be sure to research your options thoroughly.
- If your cancer is particularly serious or rare, you may want to enter experimental drug trials to try the latest options in medical innovation. ...
- Do your own research on up-to-date, reputable websites. ...
How do I ask for cancer treatment?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your TreatmentWhat are treatments for my type and stage of cancer?Where can I find more information about the types of cancer treatments?What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments?What treatment do you recommend? ... When will I need to start treatment?More items...•
What happens after you get a cancer diagnosis?
The results of a biopsy, blood tests, physical exams, and imaging tests (x-rays or scans), along with any problems the cancer is causing, are used to decide which treatment options might be best for you. Your doctor may also talk with other experts to get their opinions.
What to do when you are waiting for a cancer diagnosis?
Easing Stress When Waiting for Test ResultsPreparing for tests—and anxiety. ... “Worry is trying to predict a future that no one knows," said Dr. ... Effective coping mechanisms. ... Control your thoughts. ... Reach out. ... Break up the time into blocks. ... Make good use of your nervous energy. ... Hang out with kids or pets.
How soon after being diagnosed with cancer does treatment start?
Cancer treatment should start very soon after diagnosis, but for most cancers, it won't hurt to wait a few weeks to begin treatment. This gives the person with cancer time to talk about all their treatment options with the cancer care team, family, and friends, and then decide what's best for them.
How fast do cancer stages progress?
Scientists have found that for most breast and bowel cancers, the tumours begin to grow around ten years before they're detected. And for prostate cancer, tumours can be many decades old. “They've estimated that one tumour was 40 years old. Sometimes the growth can be really slow,” says Graham.
What to ask when you have been diagnosed with cancer?
Cancer diagnosisWhat type of cancer do I have? What is my exact diagnosis?Where is the cancer located? Has it spread?·What is my prognosis?
What is the waiting time for cancer treatment?
In some situations, your doctor may diagnose a new primary cancer instead of a recurrence. If so, you should wait no more than 2 months (62 days) to start treatment. This time starts on the date that the hospital has received an urgent referral for suspected cancer.
What is the 2 week cancer pathway?
What is a 'Two Week Wait' referral? A 'Two Week Wait' referral is a request from your General Practitioner (GP) to ask the hospital for an urgent appointment for you, because you have symptoms that might indicate that you have cancer.
Can you have Stage 4 cancer and not know it?
1 In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. Most of the time, a cancer that reaches stage 4 will affect not only the part of the body where it originated, but the areas it has spread to as well. Stage 4 cancer also can cause more general symptoms, such as extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
Is waiting for cancer treatment common?
The researchers found that the median time to treatment initiation (TTI) has increased significantly in recent years, from 21 days in 2004 to 29 days in 2013. Delays were more likely if patients changed treatment facilities or if they sought care at academic centers.
What if cancer is left untreated?
Cancer cells or tumors in organs or the bloodstream can disrupt organ function. They may destroy healthy cells in organs, block their nutrient or oxygen supply, and allow waste products to build up. If cancer becomes severe enough that it impairs or prevents vital organ function, it can result in death.
What happens at your first cancer appt?
At the first appointment, the oncologist will talk about treatment options. The doctor will explain which ones are available, how effective they are and what the side effects may be. Then the oncologist will recommend a course and talk about when the treatments should take place.
Get The Facts About Your Cancer Diagnosis
Try to obtain as much basic, useful information about your cancer diagnosis as you need in order to make decisions about your care.Write down your...
Keep The Lines of Communication Open
Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if...
Anticipate Possible Physical Changes
Now — after your cancer diagnosis and before you begin treatment — is the best time to plan for changes. Prepare yourself now so that you'll be bet...
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods and get adequate rest in order to help you manage the st...
Let Friends and Family Help You
Often friends and family can run errands, provide transportation, prepare meals and help you with household chores. Learn to accept their help. Acc...
Review Your Goals and Priorities
Determine what's really important in your life. Find time for the activities that are most important to you and give you the most meaning.If needed...
Try to Maintain Your Normal Lifestyle
Maintain your normal lifestyle, but be open to modifying it as necessary. Take one day at a time. It's easy to overlook this simple strategy during...
Consider How Your Diagnosis Will Impact Your Finances
Many unexpected financial burdens can arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Your treatment may require time away from work or an extended time a...
Talk to Other People With Cancer
Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis can't fully understand how you're feeling. It may help to talk to pe...
Develop Your Own Coping Strategy
Just as each person's cancer treatment is individualized, so is the coping strategy. Ideas to try: 1. Practice relaxation techniques. 2. Share your...
What are the treatments for cancer?
These options may include: Surgery. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Hormone therapy. Targeted therapy. Immunotherapy. Active surveillance, also called watchful waiting.
What happens after cancer diagnosis?
After a cancer diagnosis, people with cancer and their families have to make a number of decisions about treatment. These decisions are complicated by feelings of anxiety, unfamiliar words, statistics, and a sense of urgency. But unless the situation is extremely urgent, take time to research your options, ask questions, ...
What is ASCO in cancer?
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other cancer organizations publish guidelines and treatment decision-making tools. These tools help doctors and patients understand various treatment options. Learn more about treatment recommendations for the specific type of cancer that you have.
Is cancer care expensive?
The cost of cancer care is often high, and you may have expenses that you were not expecting. Your health care team can help you identify costs related to your treatment options or suggest ways to manage medical and related costs.
Can you get a second opinion from another oncologist?
Many people seek a second or even third opinion from another oncologist, and many doctors encourage it. Different oncologists may have different experiences with various treatments. So seeking multiple opinions can help you make a decision or confirm your current treatment plan. First check with your insurance company to find out if your policy covers a specific doctor or health care system.
Can cancer cause long term side effects?
Sometimes cancer can cause long-term side effects, or late effects, that might develop months or even years after treatment. Talk with your health care team about the possible long-term effects of each treatment option and how they are managed. In addition, discuss possible sexual or reproductive concerns with your health care team, including the risk of not being unable to have children. You have more options to keep your fertility if you address this concern before treatment, instead of waiting until after treatment.
How to get rid of cancer?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods and get adequat e rest in order to help you manage the stress and fatigue of the cancer and its treatment. Exercise and participating in enjoyable activities also may help.
What to expect after cancer diagnosis?
After your cancer diagnosis, you may feel anxious, afraid or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead.
Why is accepting help important?
Accepting help gives those who care about you a sense of making a contribution at a difficult time. Also encourage your family to accept help if it's needed. A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and adds stress, especially to the primary caregivers.
How to communicate with your loved ones after cancer?
Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if people try to protect you from bad news or if you try to put up a strong front. If you and others express emotions honestly, you can all gain strength from each other.
Can you talk to someone who has cancer?
Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis can't fully understand how you're feeling. It may help to talk to people who have been in your situation. Other cancer survivors can share their experiences and give you insight into what you can expect during treatment.
Why do we need a cancer treatment plan?
A cancer treatment plan is kind of like a roadmap because it helps to lay out the expected path of treatment. It is a document that is created by the cancer care team and given to the patient and others that may need to know the planned course of care.
How is cancer treatment planned and scheduled?
How Treatment Is Planned and Scheduled. To plan and schedule cancer care and treatments, a lot of information must first be collected. This information often needs to be shared with different specialists , as well as with patients and their caregivers, to help decide what treatment option is best. Once a treatment is decided on, care can be ...
How important is communication in cancer care?
It can be a very involved process. Although treatment and care decisions are mostly made by patients and their cancer care teams, communication with others is very important. Sometimes, though, patients and caregivers might find themselves being the ones having to do most of the communicating.
What to do if you don't get a treatment plan?
If you don't get a written treatment plan, you can ask for a treatment schedule to be written out for you. A treatment schedule includes: The type of treatment that will be given, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.
What to do if your treatment center does not give you a treatment plan?
Even if your treatment center does not use treatment plans or does not give you one, you can ask for as much information in writing as possible. This will help you remember what's been told to you, which can be hard to do when you're given a lot of information at once. Either way, having things in writing is helpful.
What is treatment planning?
Treatment planning involves figuring out the exact doses of the treatment that will be given and how long it will last.
What tests are done to determine the stage of cancer?
Your exact cancer diagnosis and stage. Special test results, such as imaging (x-rays), blood tests, tumor marker tests, genetic testing, or biomarker tests done on the tumor. Your planned treatment, its doses, the schedule for getting it, and how long it is expected to be given.
What happens after cancer diagnosis?
After Cancer Is Diagnosed. If the biopsy and other tests show that you have cancer, you may have more tests to help your doctor plan treatment. For instance, your doctor will need to figure out the stage of your cancer. For some cancers, knowing the grade of the tumor or risk group that you fall into are important for deciding on the best treatment.
What is the procedure to diagnose cancer?
Biopsy. In most cases, doctors need to do a biopsy to diagnose cancer. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a sample of tissue. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope and runs other tests to see if the tissue is cancer.
What is a bone scan?
Bone scans are a type of nuclear scan that check for abnormal areas or damage in the bones. They may be used to diagnose bone cancer or cancer that has spread to the bones (also called metastatic bone tumors). Before this test, a very small amount of radioactive material is injected into your vein.
What is a lab test for cancer?
Learn more about laboratory tests and how they are used to diagnose cancer. Some lab tests involve testing blood or tissue samples for tumor markers. Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer. Most tumor markers are made by normal cells and cancer cells ...
How are tumor markers made?
Most tumor markers are made by normal cells and cancer cells but are produced at much higher levels by cancer cells . Learn more about tumor markers and how they are used to diagnose cancer.
How does a CT scan work?
A CT scan uses an x-ray machine linked to a computer to take a series of pictures of your organs from different angles. These pictures are used to create detailed 3-D images of the inside of your body.
Why is a pathology report important?
Pathology reports play an important role in diagnosing cancer and helping decide treatment options. Learn more about pathology reports and the type of information they contain. The biopsy sample may be obtained in several ways: With a needle: The doctor uses a needle to withdraw tissue or fluid.
What are some ways to help cancer patients?
Many cancer patients find that yoga, acupuncture, vitamins and herbs, and other types of health practices help them. Watch a short video about complementary and alternative medicine. Let your health care team know if you are using any of these medicines.
What are the consequences of cancer?
Surviving cancer has physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences that start with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond . It also includes issues related to follow-up treatment, side effects of treatment, the risk of getting cancer again, and your quality of life.
Can you get an infection from chemotherapy?
If you are treated with chemotherapy, you’re more likely to get an infection. Get tips on how to avoid infections, and other ways to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
Is cancer a survivor?
When you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are considered a cancer survivor from that moment throughout the rest of your life. Surviving cancer has physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences that start with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond.
How important is it to follow the schedule for oral cancer treatment?
It's very important to follow the schedule exactly as you are taught. This will help the treatment drug remain in your body at the right dose all of the time. It will also help you to have the best treatment outcomes. Tips for taking oral cancer treatments: Take the medicine exactly as you have been told to do .
How long do cancer drugs stay in your system?
No matter how you take these drugs, the chemicals remain in your body for hours to days after you take them. Small amounts of these drugs are in your urine, feces, vomit, and even your sweat. Ask your cancer care team if the treatment you'll be taking at home is hazardous.
What is oral treatment?
Oral treatment (pills, capsules, tablets, or liquids) or topical treatment (creams or lotions) Oral t reatment is given by mouth. Topical treatment is rubbed on the skin. If oral or topical treatment is part of your treatment plan, the medicine will be prescribed to you by your doctor.
What equipment is used for cancer treatment?
You can read more in Equipment Used During Cancer Treatment: Tubes, Lines, Ports, and Catheters and learn about safety precautions in Getting Intravenous or Injectable Chemotherapy.
What to do if someone touches you with a drug?
If someone else touches them, they should use disposable gloves. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after taking treatment drugs. Spills: you will be given a special kit and shown how to use it if liquid treatment drugs are used in the home. This kit will help you safely clean up a spill.
What are the side effects of a cancer injection?
Has a fever higher than the level taught to you by the cancer care team or home health nurse. Has uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain.
What to do if a pill is too big?
If a pill or capsule is too big, talk to your cancer care team or pharmacist before cutting or crushing it. Side effects might be lessened by changing the schedule a little bit, but your cancer care team needs to help you decide if changing the schedule is best.
What to do after cancer diagnosis?
After a Cancer Diagnosis: Taking a 'Whole Life' Approach. A cancer diagnosis touches every area of your life, so your plans for managing after your cancer diagnosis should do so as well. Take an active role in medical and treatment decisions.
What is the most important thing to do after cancer diagnosis?
Taking Care of You. Taking care of yourself after a cancer diagnosis may be the most important task of all -- and the most overlooked. Work obligations and other roles -- such as parent, spouse, or caregiver -- will compete for your time and energy. Rule No. 1: your treatment comes first, says Visel.
What is clinical trial?
Clinical trials compare a cancer treatment known to be effective against one that shows promise to be equal or better. Clinical trials are ongoing for almost every form of cancer. The decision to enter a clinical trial is complicated but well worth considering.
How complex is cancer treatment?
Your cancer treatment plan will depend on many factors, including the type of cancer you have, it’s location and stage of development, your current state of health, and your goals for treatment and quality of life.
What is the rule of care after cancer?
DuHamel reminds people of the airplane advisory: “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.”. After a cancer diagnosis, you owe it to yourself to be your own No. 1 caregiver. Your personal care plan should include the following:
What are the treatments for cancer?
To make informed decisions, you will need to understand your cancer treatment options, which could include: Surgery (a major or minor operation to remove cancer) Chemotherapy (using anticancer medication that acts throughout the body) Radiation therapy (using high-energy beams or implants to kill cancer cells)
Why do you need a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion can also help you feel more confident in your treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion.
What to do when you are diagnosed with cancer?
But there are a few things most people should do when they're newly diagnosed with cancer: Discuss the specifics. Talk to your doctor about what stage it’s in and what, if anything, could have caused you to get it. Staging is how doctors describe how much cancer is in your body and how far it’s spread.
What to do after cancer diagnosis?
When you find out you have cancer, it's time to prepare for the next steps. A cancer diagnosis can bring many changes for you and your loved ones. So start by getting informed and asking good questions. That will help you make smart decisions, care for yourself, and understand what to expect.
How to get rid of cancer?
Each day, take some time to focus on things you enjoy. Meditate, cook, paint, watch a movie. Some people with cancer keep journals to express their feelings. If you feel up to it, exercising can help you feel better. Focus on the good .
How to manage risk factors?
Ask your doctor what you can do to manage your risk factors. If possible, take a friend or family member with you for this discussion. You'll have a lot of information to take in, which can be difficult when you're feeling stressed. They can help you remember and process what your doctor says. Take time to cope.
Can cancer be traced back to a source?
Also, ask your doctor about what could have caused or contributed to your cancer. Doctors can’t trace all cancers back to a source. But some things raise your risk for certain cancers. They include your: Gender.
Diagnosis
- Cancer screening
Diagnosing cancer at its earliest stages often provides the best chance for a cure. With this in mind, talk with your doctor about what types of cancer screening may be appropriate for you. For a few cancers, studies show that screening tests can save lives by diagnosing cancer early. For …
Treatment
- Many cancer treatments are available. Your treatment options will depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of your cancer, your general health, and your preferences. Together you and your doctor can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for you.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Alternative Medicine
- No alternative cancer treatments have been proved to cure cancer. But alternative medicine options may help you cope with side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea and pain. Talk with your doctor about which alternative medicine options may offer some benefit. Your doctor can also discuss whether these therapies are safe for you or whether they …
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Start by making an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor determines that you have cancer, you'll likely be referred to one or more specialists, such as: 1. Doctors who treat cancer (oncologists) 2. Doctors who treat cancer with radiation (radiation oncologists) 3. Doctors who treat diseases of the blood and blood-forming ti…