5 steps to help you make decisions about cancer treatment

Patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer often feel confused and lose their cool. However, making options and working closely with your doctor will help you feel more confident when starting cancer treatment. Here are five steps to help you make decisions about cancer treatment.

Before exploring the treatment options available, set some ground rules for yourself. You will be more comfortable with any cancer treatment decision if you can:
Decide what you want to know: Many people want to know the exact treatment for their cancer and their prognosis, while some Others do not need this information. If you don't want to know all the details, especially regarding your chances of survival, tell your doctor in advance. During this difficult time, you can ask your doctor to tell a trusted loved one what you don't want to know so they can handle the situation on your behalf. Decide how to plan your treatment: You may want to take the initiative in the entire decision-making process or leave all decisions to your doctor. You can also accompany your doctor in the decision-making process. My advice to you is to think about how you have handled difficult decisions in the past. You can also go to the doctor with a close friend or family member for decision support. Realistic expectations: Your doctor can make an estimate of what results will be achieved from each type of treatment. Be prepared to endure the side effects that come with the benefits of treatment. Therefore, discuss your specific wishes with your doctor. Focus on yourself: Don't let yourself be pressured by a particular cancer treatment option. Choose the ways that you feel most comfortable with. Accept help: You will get support throughout your treatment, possibly from your doctor, friends and family. In addition, you can also contact the community of people who have been fighting cancer to help you through this journey. In addition, patients can write down wishes before seeing their doctor to better express their thoughts and feelings about cancer treatment options.

Identifying cancer treatment goals can help you narrow down your options. Depending on the type and stage of each patient's cancer, the goals of treatment can be:
Cure: When you are first diagnosed, you will most likely be interested in treatments that cure the disease. cancer . If there is a chance of a cure, you may experience many short-term side effects. Control: If your cancer is in its late stages or previous treatments have failed, you can adjust your goals to keep the disease under control. Various treatments can temporarily shrink or stop the tumor from growing. In this case, the patient may not have to endure the side effects of the treatments that are too strong. Comfort: If you have terminal cancer or are not responding to treatments, you may decide that comfort is most important. You and your doctor will work together to make sure that you are pain free and that other unwanted symptoms are minimized.

To make the right treatment decisions, determine the type and stage of cancer you have as well as the treatment options available and how effective they are. Ask your doctor about trusted websites, books, and resources for patients to add to their case knowledge.
Sometimes treatments are used in combination, for example cancer surgery or radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. There are also cases where the doctor will refer to an adjuvant therapy given after the primary treatment.

Comparing the benefits and risks of different cancer treatments is a way to help you decide which option is right for your goals. Rank the treatments you're considering based on their pros and cons.
Some aspects you can consider for each treatment option include:
Side effects: Take the time to review the side effects of each treatment and decide if it's worth it contain or not. Your doctor can tell you how common different side effects are and give you instructions on how to manage them, making treatment more tolerable. How it affects your life: Consider how your treatment will affect your daily life. Will you need to take a day off work or a few weeks? Can you continue to take on family responsibilities? Do you need to go abroad for treatment? Will treatment affect your chances of finding a job or keeping your current job? Financial expenses: Find out what is covered by insurance. If a treatment is not supported, can you afford it? Call your insurance company to be sure. Your overall health: If you have other health problems, ask your doctor about how your cancer treatment will affect your current condition. For example, corticosteroids are commonly used in cancer patients, making it difficult to control diabetes and increasing the risk of cataracts, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Therefore, whether or not chemotherapy is recommended will depend on individual values ​​and goals. Only you can decide which form is best for your life. However, you do not necessarily have to choose the optimal plan for long-term commitment. You will most likely change your mind during treatment. This is completely normal.

Regularly talking with your doctor is the best way to always get the information you need to make more informed decisions. To communicate with your doctor easily:
Ask when you don't understand: If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor. If you just listen quietly, your doctor may think you have understood. Write questions in advance: Doctor visits can be stressful and emotional, leading to not being able to remember all the questions you want to ask. Therefore, it is recommended that you write down any questions that arise and bring them to the doctor every visit. Record conversations with your doctor: Try to keep track of what your doctor tells you by taking notes. You can also ask if you can record this conversation. The log is an essential reference should you have questions later. Take someone with you: If you feel comfortable sharing your medical information with a friend or family member, go with them to see a doctor. That way, you'll have someone you trust to talk to (besides your doctor) before making important treatment decisions. Keep copies of your medical records: Ask the clinic to provide copies of your medical records and bring them with you to each visit. It is often difficult for patients and doctors to fully understand each other after a meeting. You will have to work with the doctor a few times to coordinate well and effectively.

As you make treatment decisions with your doctor, keep the following points in mind:
Calmly think through: Many patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer often think that an immediate decision must be made to begin treatment. early initiation of treatment. In most situations, however, you will have time to weigh your options. Ask your doctor how much time you have to decide. You can change your mind at any time: You won't be tied to your cancer treatment decisions. Tell your doctor if you are having a lot of thoughts. Sometimes significant side effects will make you want to change your treatment plan. You can seek a second doctor: Don't be afraid to offend your primary care physician if you want more advice. Most doctors understand the need for a second opinion when a patient is faced with an important decision. You don't have to decide on treatment: You can tell your doctor that you don't want to be involved in the decision-making process. You can still come back when you feel more comfortable with the situation. Tell your doctor who you authorize to make decisions for you. You don't need treatment: Some people choose not to have treatment. People with very advanced cancer often just want to control their pain and other side effects so they can make the best use of the time they have left. If you choose not to have treatment, you can still change your mind at any time. Abandoning treatment doesn't mean you'll leave your health at risk, as there are ways to manage side effects. In short, there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to choosing the best cancer treatment. However, participating in a treatment plan can give you peace of mind and focus your energy on what's most important, which is keeping yourself healthy during treatment.
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Reference source: Mayoclinic.org