Wondering what other patients wish they had known earlier?
To help you navigate next steps and get you started, below are tips
curated by others that have been in your shoes. What would you add?
No one knows you better than YOU. Your life expertise and day-to-day experiences are an important part of your care. What should your healthcare team know about you as a person? What are your short-term and long-term goals? Make sure you openly share your preferences and values since this may influence your decisions and actions.
Your health depends on open communication. Asking questions is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of your health, and is the simplest and most effective way of learning about your condition and how to best manage it. Prioritize your questions, and ask the most important ones first. Be sure to also close the loop on test results. No news isn’t always good news!
It's important you understand your options, the risks and benefits of each option (including cost), and how much time you have to make a decision. You want your care to fit your goals, lifestyle, and limitations so that you can develop an action plan in partnership with your healthcare team. Clinical trials should be considered as a care option, as well.
Navigating options can be complex, and you should invest in your health by finding the right doctor. Consider also getting a second opinion before proceeding with treatment since there may be different ways of treating your condition. Make sure that all your tests and records are shared with your different doctors in advance of the visit so that you don't have to repeat them. You can then review your results together and discuss options during your appointment.
Build a relationship with a doctor you can trust, and have an open dialogue and partner with over time. You want a doctor you can be honest and transparent with so that you can share your concerns, emotions and challenges openly without judgment, embarrassment or fear.
Navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming. It can be hard to recall important information, make decisions when emotions get in the way and/or coordinate between different doctors. It helps to have someone by your side so you can focus your energy on your health. This can either be a family member, a friend or even a professional advocate.
You will see different doctors, undergo various tests, and may be swamped with paperwork. Keeping it all organized can help give you a sense of control and make it easier to manage your care over time. Stay on top of your test results and medical records, which can be accessed electronically, to help you better coordinate your care, understand your condition, seek clarification and correct any potential errors.
Each person's cancer is unique and the more information you have, the more empowered you will be to make decisions about next steps. Learn the type and stage of your cancer, and ask if you’re eligible for biomarker testing early on since this can impact your treatment pathway.
Coping with your illness and changes over time can be an emotional experience. Connecting with others can provide support and improve your quality of life, whether it’s informal support from family and friends, formal support from group or individual therapy and/or peer-to-peer support through online communities. Staying connected doesn’t mean you always have to talk about cancer, but it’s important you lean on the power of community!
Misinformation is a growing issue. Many of us rely on "Dr. Google" for information, but it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether information you find online is credible or up-to-date. Content you find online is not regulated so use good judgment when searching. Your healthcare team can also recommend reputable websites and validate what you learn online.
No one knows you better than YOU. Your life expertise and day-to-day experiences are an important part of your care. What should your healthcare team know about you as a person? What are your short-term and long-term goals? Make sure you openly share your preferences and values since this may influence your decisions and actions.
Your health depends on open communication. Asking questions is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of your health, and is the simplest and most effective way of learning about your condition and how to best manage it. Prioritize your questions, and ask the most important ones first. Be sure to also close the loop on test results. No news isn’t always good news!
It's important you understand your options, the risks and benefits of each option (including cost), and how much time you have to make a decision. You want your care to fit your goals, lifestyle, and limitations so that you can develop an action plan in partnership with your healthcare team. Clinical trials should be considered as a care option, as well.
Navigating options can be complex, and you should invest in your health by finding the right doctor. Consider also getting a second opinion before proceeding with treatment since there may be different ways of treating your condition. Make sure that all your tests and records are shared with your different doctors in advance of the visit so that you don't have to repeat them. You can then review your results together and discuss options during your appointment.
Build a relationship with a doctor you can trust, and have an open dialogue and partner with over time. You want a doctor you can be honest and transparent with so that you can share your concerns, emotions and challenges openly without judgment, embarrassment or fear.
Navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming. It can be hard to recall important information, make decisions when emotions get in the way and/or coordinate between different doctors. It helps to have someone by your side so you can focus your energy on your health. This can either be a family member, a friend or even a professional advocate.
You will see different doctors, undergo various tests, and may be swamped with paperwork. Keeping it all organized can help give you a sense of control and make it easier to manage your care over time. Stay on top of your test results and medical records, which can be accessed electronically, to help you better coordinate your care, understand your condition, seek clarification and correct any potential errors.
Each person's cancer is unique and the more information you have, the more empowered you will be to make decisions about next steps. Learn the type and stage of your cancer, and ask if you’re eligible for biomarker testing early on since this can impact your treatment pathway.
Coping with your illness and changes over time can be an emotional experience. Connecting with others can provide support and improve your quality of life, whether it’s informal support from family and friends, formal support from group or individual therapy and/or peer-to-peer support through online communities. Staying connected doesn’t mean you always have to talk about cancer, but it’s important you lean on the power of community!
Misinformation is a growing issue. Many of us rely on "Dr. Google" for information, but it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether information you find online is credible or up-to-date. Content you find online is not regulated so use good judgment when searching. Your healthcare team can also recommend reputable websites and validate what you learn online.
