Forming a Partnership With Your Cancer Team

Self-advocacy teaches you to assert your needs and talk openly with your cancer team. In return, your doctors should treat you as an individual, take time to listen to you, and involve you in important treatment-related decisions.

Learning how to partner with your cancer team is the next important step to self-advocacy and empowerment.

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER REGARDING YOUR CANCER CARE.

Self-Advocacy Tips: Partnering With Your Cancer Team

• Establish trust. A good patient-doctor relationship is built on trust. You need to be able to trust the members of your cancer team. A lack of trust can create a barrier to receiving the care you need and deserve. A good relationship is also sustained by mutual respect. Your doctors deserve respect, and so do you.
• Learn the language of cancer. Learning about cancer is like learning another language. When you understand the language, communication improves between you and your cancer team. Ask your doctor what you can expect from treatment, such as possible side effects. The more you understand about the disease and your treatment options, the more confident you will feel in your decisions.
• Find out what works for you. Each person deals with cancer differently, and what works for one may not work for another. Some people feel more in control and empowered when they are fully informed about their disease and treatment options. Others find the information to be overwhelming. Decide how much information you want to know and share with your doctors.
• Keep files and records. Organization is an important component of cancer care. If your providers reside in different locations, coordination of care can be a challenge. Keep a record of your medical history, medications, test results, and symptoms. Also, keep a calendar with your doctor’s appointments and treatment schedule. Take these records with you to your visits.
• Come prepared to appointments. Have you ever left your doctor’s office and forgot to ask something? Try to write down the questions you want answered ahead of time. Make your questions specific and brief, and prioritize them in order of importance. By preparing in advance, you can make the most of your time during appointments.
• Bring someone with you to appointments. Naturally, you may be preoccupied with concerns or find it difficult to retain all the information you receive during appointments. Whenever possible, it helps to bring a family member or friend with you. They can think of questions you may not have thought to ask.
• Take notes. It’s easy to forget what your doctor said after you leave your appointment. Bring a notebook to all your visits and take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. You can also ask your doctor if you can tape record the discussion for later review.
• Ask questions. An important part of your cancer care is asking questions of your cancer team. Your needs are unique and your questions will likely change throughout your care. The following are some examples of questions you may decide to ask:

  1. What type of cancer do I have and what does it mean?
  2. Am I at increased risk for developing cancer again? Are other members of my family at risk for developing cancer?
  3. What is the stage of the cancer and what does it mean? Has the disease spread to other parts of my body?
  4. What are my treatment options?
  5. How often and how long will I have to undergo treatment?
  6. What side effects may I expect? How can I reduce or manage these side effects?
  7. How will I know if my treatment is working?
  8. Will I have to stop working during cancer treatment? Is there a special diet or exercise routine I should follow?
  9. What support services are available for patients and families? Can you recommend a counselor?
  10. When and who should I call if I have questions?

  Clarify what you don't understand. If your doctor uses medical terms you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask him or her to explain it in another way. Try repeating what you think was said back to your doctor for confirmation. If you understand better with pictures, ask to see X-rays or slides. Unless you tell your doctor that you don’t understand something, he or she may assume that you do.

  Speak up about side effects. It’s important to keep your cancer team informed about any new symptoms you are experiencing, such as changes in sleep, bowel habits, mood, appetite, memory, or sexual function. These side effects can delay or interrupt your treatment and hinder your quality of life. Speak up so your doctor can find ways to help you.

  Seek help when you need it. Remember, you are your most important advocate. Your cancer team is there to help you. Don't wait for your next scheduled appointment to contact your care team about an important issue. Your doctor can also refer you to psychological, financial, and/or spiritual support resources.

  Determine next steps. Make sure you understand the next steps before leaving your doctor's office. Ask if there is written information or educational materials (e.g., books, pamphlets, videos, etc.) that you can take home with you. Find out the best way to reach your care team if you have questions from home.

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER REGARDING YOUR CANCER CARE.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a network of cancer hospitals unlike any other.

CTCA doctors focus on the treatment of patients with many forms of cancer, including complex and advanced cases. They work as a team, alongside cancer experts across multiple disciplines, to keep patients strong in body, mind and spirit.

CTCA care team members listen to patients and provide clear, well-defined choices. They work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs.

Using the latest technologies and advanced tools to fight cancer, our cancer experts provide a powerful combination of treatments. While our oncologists help patients fight cancer, other clinicians provide supportive therapies to help patients tolerate treatment, manage side effects, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Visit the full website to learn more.

I hope this information has helped you in some way. I will check in with you again next month. In the meantime, stay strong and hopeful.