Cancer - 3 - Diagnosis & Awareness

Possible Action Steps

Review individual’s cancer diagnosis and stage if known ~ answer any questions individual has about what these mean. Does individual feel that they fully understand their diagnosis?
Provide a reference on individual’s specific type of cancer for review (Suggestion: ACS' Cancer Types)
Discuss what individual has done thus far post-diagnosis ~ does he or she know the steps to take to arrange for cancer treatment (whether to consult with an oncologist, specialist, both)? Are they working with a navigator, and/or do they need more practical support?
Ask whether individual has gotten a second opinion after diagnosis or would like to. If wanted, provide individual with a resource that discusses getting a second opinion.
Discuss individual’s emotional support system ~ do they have a loved one they can talk to openly or do they have someone who accompanies them to appointments to take notes and help ask questions? If not, pinpoint someone who can provide support.

Possible Action Steps

Discuss how individual feels right now about their diagnosis ~ angry, sad, fearful, etc. Has individual fully absorbed their diagnosis?
If appropriate, talk about survival rates for individual’s type of cancer and stage. Explain that statistics are a general picture of what might happen and the individual is specific and unique.
Talk about individual’s values and priorities and how these can make a difference in cancer journey. What is it that’s most important to them ~ treatment survival rates, side effects, family input, etc.?
Discuss whether family and friends are overwhelming individual with information and opinions about how to handle cancer ~ talk about how to set boundaries while still keeping loved ones involved.
Discuss how cancer diagnosis has impacted individual’s job so far ~ is he or she worried about keeping their job? Problem-solve how individual can keep working during cancer treatment, if they want or need to keep working.

Possible Action Steps

Encourage individual to express their feelings about cancer in a way that helps them ~ talk to a loved one, keep a private journal, make a change, read, help other people, paint, etc. Ask them to try this method of expression in the next week.
Talk about whether individual is in a cancer support group, or interested in attending one. Provide a list of local support groups, if so.
Share online support groups for individual’s specific type of cancer. Ask him or her to investigate one in the next week and see if it is helpful.
Discuss ways to keep family and friends informed during cancer journey without getting overwhelmed ~ assign a loved one as the point person for questions, keep a private blog on a site such as CarePages, etc.
If individual is able, encourage him or her to engage in mild exercise such as walking, yoga, swimming, or stretching. Ask individual if they can commit to getting exercise a few times a week to alleviate stress and promote flexibility & strength.

Possible Action Steps

Discuss the qualities individual is looking for in a doctor for their cancer treatment ~ good listener, one who explains things clearly, one individual feels comfortable talking to, etc.
Talk about individual’s experience with cancer doctors thus far. Is he or she comfortable with their current doctor(s)? Do they want a new doctor and/or a second opinion about diagnosis?
Discuss what individual knows thus far about their treatment options. What questions do they have for a doctor? Encourage individual to write these down and bring to next appointment.
Encourage individual to ask as many questions as they need and weigh their options, not rush to make a treatment decision.
Encourage individual to bring a tape recorder, note pad & pen, portable computer, or a loved one to their next doctor appointment to take notes.