6 Steps To Navigating a New Cancer Diagnosis

You or a family member have been told they have cancer. You may have many questions: How did this happen? How is it treated? How will this change our lives? A first reaction is often: What do I do now?

Step 1: Get the facts about your cancer diagnosis.

The first thing to do after a cancer diagnosis is gather information. Find out exactly what type of cancer you have and if it has spread. Ask where the cancer is located and whether it’s considered fast- or slow-growing. The answers to these questions will help you make informed decisions about treatment.

Example Questions

1. Where did my cancer start (e.g., lung, breast)?
2. Why type of cell is my cancer (e.g., carcinoma, sarcoma)?
3. Has my cancer spread? If yes, where has it spread?
4. What is the stage of my cancer?
5. Do I have any positive cancer markers and what does that mean?
6. Is genetic testing recommended?

Step 2: Explore your treatment options.

Once you have a diagnosis, ask your doctor about your treatment options. There are many types of treatments. Some people with cancer have only one type of treatment while others have two or more different types of treatment. The treatment recommended for you depends on many things:

• Where your cancer started and its cell type.
• Your cancer stage.
• Medical issues you may have (e.g., heart problems, kidney problems).
• How independent and active you are.
• Your nutritional status.
• Your personal choice.

Example Questions

1. What type of treatments are recommended (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation,
   surgery, immunotherapy)?
2. What side effects can I expect and how will they affect my lifestyle?
3. Are there long-term side effects of the treatment?
4. How long do treatments last?
5. Where can I receive my treatments?

Be sure to ask if there are clinical trials (research studies) that you may be eligible for. There is a common misconception that enrolling in a clinical trial means that you are a guinea pig when actually clinical trials take the best cancer care available and add something to it that has already been proven to be safe and effective.

Step 3: Goals of Treatment: Are you on the same page?

Talk to your doctor about the overall goal for your treatment. Make sure that you are on the same page and that your wishes are understood. The goal of treatment depends on your situation and can be cure, control, or palliation. Cure means to get rid of all disease and the cancer is not likely to return. Control means to prevent the cancer from spreading. Palliation means that treatment is not likely to get rid of cancer or control its spread but to relieve symptoms from the cancer.

Share any personal goals with your doctor, such as attending a child’s graduation or wedding, having a grandchild, or any other personal goals you have.

Step 4: Be an active participant.

It’s important that you are an active participant in your cancer care and treatment so that your needs and wishes are known and any issues you are experiencing are known and addressed by your health care team.

Tips to help you work with your health care team:

• Write a list of questions and concerns and discuss with your health care team.
• If you don’t understand something, ask more questions. It is important to understand what your doctor said so that you can make educated health care decisions.
• Ask for written instructions, calendars, and take notes.
• Make sure you understand your medications, such as the names, doses, how often to take them, and possible side effects. Ask what you can do to prevent and manage side effects.
• Let your health care team know if you have an Advance Directive, such as a Living Will, so that they can honor your health care choices.

Step 5: Find reliable resources.

Finding and using accurate resources are vital to your treatment and healing. Well-meaning friends and family may give you advice. There is also a lot of information on the internet –some may be wrong or not appropriate to your situation. Talk to your health care team and do not rely only on information from family, friends, or the internet.

Reliable Online Resources for Cancer Care

• ProMedica
• The American Cancer Society
• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• The National Cancer Institute

Step 6: Find and use your support systems.

Finding and using your support systems can be as simple as setting up regular phone dates or visits with friends or family or asking for help with housework or childcare. Your health care team can help you find other resources, such as social workers, counselors, support groups, oncology dietitians, financial counselors, and healing care.

ProMedica Cancer Institute Healing Care helps patients manage stress and side effects using complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, healing touch, and massage.