Where do you go to confirm your diagnosis and start treatment: a convenient local hospital or more distant cancer center? Many community hospitals provide some cancer care, such as surgery to remove tumors or standard chemotherapy for common types of cancer. By contrast, cancer centers focus solely on cancer.
Full Answer
How do I find cancer treatment guidelines?
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.
Who can provide cancer care?
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, cancer patients often need care from many health professionals who are involved in providing cancer care.
How do I research cancer treatment options?
Your health care team can suggest trustworthy websites. If you come across unfamiliar words while researching online, use a medical dictionary or ask your health care team for an explanation. Talk with your doctor about the treatment options for your type and stage of cancer.
Should you go to the emergency department for cancer pain?
That can include pain that has nothing to do with your cancer or treatment. “Even if it’s for something like a broken bone, you should try to visit the emergency department at your cancer center -- called the Acute Cancer Care Center here at MD Anderson -- to get the right treatment for you,” Wattana says.
Where is the best place to get treated for cancer?
10 best hospitals for cancer care, ranked by US News & World...University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore)Cleveland Clinic.Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston)More items...•
Who specializes in treating patients with cancer?
Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.
Do cancer patients live in hospitals?
You usually get hospice care at home. Other options are a care center, such as a nursing home, or a special hospice center. Some people even have hospice care in a hospital.
Where do people go for chemotherapy?
You may get chemotherapy: At home. In your doctor's office. In a clinic.
What is the oncology department?
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Do oncologist only deal with cancer?
Their work isn't limited to cancer treatment, however. Many oncologists are board-certified to practice hematology as well, treating patients with blood conditions including: Anemia, a condition that results from a shortage of red blood cells. Sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that can affect circulation.
Is Stage 4 cancer a death sentence?
All these cases reflect that Stage 4 cancer is not a death sentence and a normal life can be achieved with personalized cancer treatment just like any other chronic illness.
Does cancer have a smell?
People aren't able to smell cancer, but you can smell some symptoms associated with cancer. One example would be an ulcerating tumor. Ulcerating tumors are rare. If you have one, it's quite possible it will have an unpleasant odor.
Is Stage 4 cancer serious?
Stage 4 cancer, also known as metastatic cancer, is a serious disease that requires immediate expert care. Patients who have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer may consider getting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options.
Do you have to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy in hospital You might need to stay in hospital overnight or for a couple of days. This is usually if: you need to have the drug in a very slow, controlled way. you need to have fluids through a drip for a few hours before or after the particular drug you're having.
Which hospital is best for chemotherapy?
Top 10 cancer specialty hospitals in IndiaTata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai.Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai.The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad.Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi.More items...
Is chemotherapy inpatient or outpatient?
Most cancer chemotherapies can be administered safely and effectively in a physician office or through home healthcare services. However, because of the risk of certain toxicities or individual comorbidities, some cancer chemotherapy may be administered either in a facility observation or inpatient unit.
What is cancer center?
By contrast, cancer centers focus solely on cancer. They offer oncology expertise and the latest treatments and technologies, often for multiple cancer types or rare cancers. Some centers, like a breast cancer center within a hospital, may concentrate on a single type of cancer. It makes sense to travel farther, if needed, ...
Where do you go to confirm your diagnosis and start treatment?
Where do you go to confirm your diagnosis and start treatment: a convenient local hospital or more distant cancer center? Many community hospitals provide some cancer care, such as surgery to remove tumors or standard chemotherapy for common types of cancer.
What is board certification for oncology?
Board certification is another indication of an oncologist's qualifications. Cancer doctors can be certified for one of three main specialties: medical, surgical and radiation oncologists – as well as for a variety of subspecialties like gynecologic oncologists.
What is clinical trial?
Clinical trials offer the opportunity to receive cutting-edge cancer treatments, particularly, but not necessarily, just for treatment-resistant cancer. "If patients are seeking a clinical trial, we encourage them to do so upfront," Patel says.
What is the National Cancer Institute?
The National Cancer Institute recognizes centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for state-of-the-art research developing new and better approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatments.
What to do if your cancer provider doesn't bring up genetic testing?
If your cancer provider doesn't bring up genetic testing, ask them . Depending on your individual type of cancer or tumor, genetic testing results may enable more personalized, targeted treatment and offer clues about cancer risk.
What is emotional fallout from cancer?
People suffering emotional fallout from cancer often benefit from psychological or spiritual counseling. Pain management can make a world of difference in being able to tolerate the treatment side effects of cancer. Multidisciplinary teams bring together a variety of services.
How to make a reasonable treatment decision?
To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about trustworthy websites, books and patient education materials to supplement your discussions.
What to do if you don't feel supported?
If you don't feel supported in your decision-making, contact advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society, which can put you in touch with cancer survivors who may be able to help you through this process. It might help to write down your expectations and preferences before you meet with your doctor.
How to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision?
Effective communication with your doctor is the best way to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision. To make communicating with your doctor easier, try to: Speak up when you don't understand. If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor.
Can you cure cancer?
When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure. Ask your doctor about your chances for a cure to help you understand more about your situation. Control.
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 ...
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 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 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.
What is palliative care?
He or she may also use palliative care, also called supportive care, to manage symptoms and side effects. Make sure your doctor explains the goals of your treatment plan and how it will affect you. And make sure it aligns with your personal goals for treatment.
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.
Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?
Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.
Remembering what your doctor says
It’s hard to understand complex information when you are anxious or afraid. And sometimes, without knowing it, doctors use words that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:
The second opinion process: what to expect
Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, you may have to get a second opinion from another doctor who is part of your health plan before the plan will pay for your treatment
Deciding where to go for a second opinion
Let your doctor know if you want to get a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor.
Making sense of the second opinion
Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear . If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful:
How does a caregiver help a cancer patient?
The patient may have good days and bad days, so they may need more help with daily personal care and getting around. Caregivers can help patients save energy for the things that are most important to them. Appetite changes: As the body naturally shuts down, the person with cancer will often need and want less food.
What happens when you have cancer?
Digestive system: If cancer is in the digestive system (e.g., stomach, pancreas, or colon), food or waste may not be able to pass through, causing bloating, nausea, or vomiting.
Why is it important to have advance directives for cancer patients?
It’s important for people with cancer to have these decisions made before they become too sick to make them. However, if a person does become too sick before they have completed an advance directive, it’s helpful for family caregivers to know what type of care their loved one would want to receive.
Why do people with cancer lose appetite?
The loss of appetite is caused by the body’s need to conserve energy and its decreasing ability to use food and fluids properly. Patients should be allowed to choose whether and when to eat or drink.
What happens when cancer is no longer controlled?
When a cancer patient’s health care team determines that the cancer can no longer be controlled, medical testing and cancer treatment often stop. But the person’s care continues, with an emphasis on improving their quality of life and that of their loved ones, and making them comfortable for the following weeks or months.
What happens if you discuss your options with a doctor early?
Research has shown that if a person who has advanced cancer discusses his or her options for care with a doctor early on, that person’s level of stress decreases and their ability to cope with illness increases.
Who can a caregiver contact?
There may be times when the caregiver needs assistance from the patient's health care team. A caregiver can contact the patient's doctor or nurse for help in any of the following situations: The patient is in pain that is not relieved by the prescribed dose of pain medication.
