Cancer - 2 - Diagnosis & Awareness

Possible Action Steps

Simply explain the individual’s type of cancer in one or two sentences ~ for example, Lung cancer starts when cells of the lung become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. As more cancer cells develop, they can form into a tumor and spread to other areas of the body.
Review individual’s cancer stage, if known. Does individual understanding staging (the seriousness of cancer and the best treatment options) and what he or she might expect at their current stage?
Introduce key words and terms related to individual’s specific type of cancer ~ for example, acute, benign, lymph nodes, localized, malignant, metastasize, biopsy, cancer cells, chemotherapy, prognosis, radiation, remission, tumor, etc.
Discuss symptoms that are common for individual’s type of cancer. Which has individual experienced now or in the past? Emphasize that the doctor won’t know about these symptoms unless the individual brings them up.
Explain that the individual might not have noticeable or unpleasant symptoms related to their cancer. Discuss whether not having symptoms makes it harder for individual to take action to move forward with cancer treatment.
Provide a resource that presents a compelling and realistic story about someone living with individual’s specific type of cancer. (Suggestion: ACS’ Stories of Hope)

Possible Action Steps

Reassure individual that it is very normal to feel anxious or fearful about having cancer. On a scale of 1-10, how would individual rate their own level of anxiety about their cancer diagnosis?
Together, brainstorm the types of fears that a person with cancer might feel ~ fear of physical changes, fear of dying, fear of painful and/or prolonged treatment, fear of not being able to afford treatment, fear that own values and priorities won’t factor into treatment, etc.
Ask which cancer-related fears individual feels the most right now. Write down a numbered list, from biggest to smallest fear.
Together, problem-solve ways to address one difficult cancer-related challenge individual faces right now. Pick one way and try it out.
Help individual create a support system ~ identify one or two trusted friends and/or family members who can go with individual to appointments, ask questions and remember answers and information, relay new developments to other loved ones, etc.
Talk about how much individual would like others (friends, co-workers, extended family) to know about their diagnosis. Role-play having a discussion so individual can practice sharing what they are comfortable sharing.

Possible Action Steps

Outline key jobs on the healthcare team for anyone individual will need to see in the pre-treatment phase of cancer ~ doctors, care coordinators, etc.
Explain that individual is the key to successful treatment and he or she will have help through throughout the cancer journey.
Discuss whether individual is clear on what he or she needs to do to arrange for follow-up care. Ask them to explain what they think needs to happen. Clear up any confusion and answer any questions that arise.
Together, write a step-by-step list of actions to take to arrange for follow-up care. Complete the first step together (for example, calling oncologist for a follow-up appointment, or getting a prescription refilled) and get commitment from individual to complete the second step on their own by a certain time.
Make a short list of questions to ask at the next doctor's visit. Talk about what to do if each question does not get fully answered.

Possible Action Steps

Together, work to familiarize individual with their current diagnosis and prognosis. Have individual explain their diagnosis and prognosis in his or her own words.
Together, think about the individual’s values and priorities as they start their cancer journey ~ understanding all treatment options and respective survival rates? Engaging family and friends in decision-making? Etc.
Discuss what unanswered questions individual has about their diagnosis, symptoms or prognosis at this time. Write these down for individual to discuss with doctor.
Provide a resource that provides suggested questions to ask a doctor about cancer. (Suggestion: ACS' Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Cancer)
Ask individual to identify a trusted family member or friend who can come with them to the next doctor’s appointment to take notes, ask questions, and seek clarification.
Role-play being the doctor and giving health advice and being the patient and taking written notes. Review for accuracy and completeness.