Creating a Personal Roadmap
Step 4: Next Steps
Now that you have the basics about your diagnosis, there are again several options you have before beginning your treatment.
1. Second Opinion
You can do this even after you have chosen a doctor. Both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society have reliable information on getting a second opinion and the appropriate steps to take. The sites also have questions you need to ask yourself to help you make the right decision.
- Second Opinions: Why, When and Who - CancerGuide
- Getting a Second Opinion - National Cancer Institute
- Second Opinions - Choosing a Doctor and Hospital - American Cancer Society
- US study looks at second opinions in breast cancer - Breastcancer.org
2. Find a Doctor and Treatment Facility
It is important for you to feel comfortable with the doctor that you choose because you will be working closely with that person to make decisions about your cancer treatment. Trust your own observations and feelings when deciding on a doctor for your medical care. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you make a choice that is right for you:
- Did the doctor give you a chance to ask questions?
- Did you feel like the doctor was listening to you?
- Did the doctor seem comfortable answering your questions?
- Did the doctor talk to you in a way that you could understand?
- Did you feel the doctor respected you?
- Did the doctor ask your preferences about different kinds of treatments?
- Did you feel the doctor spent enough time with you?
- Choosing a Doctor and a Hospital - American Cancer Society
- How to Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility if you have Cancer - National Cancer Institute
Additional information on treatment facilities:
- Association of Community Cancer Centers
Since 1974, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) has been the premier education and advocacy organization for the multidisciplinary cancer care team. ACCC promotes the entire continuum of quality cancer care for our patients and our communities. For more than 30 years, ACCC has been helping oncology professionals adapt to the complex changes of delivering quality cancer care while responding to regulatory and legislative changes.
To find a cancer center near you, go to the website (see link above) and click on Find a Cancer Center. Scroll down the list of states and click on your state. A list of ACCC centers will appear, then click on a center near you for an overview of the facility. - National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers, working together to develop treatment guidelines for most cancers, and dedicated to research that improves the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care. NCCN offers a number of programs to help you and your family make informed decisions about your health. Treatment guidelines and a locator for physicians at NCCN facilities is also available on this page - National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers Database - National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Cancer Centers are recognized for their scientific excellence and extensive resources focused on cancer and cancer-related problems. The Cancer Centers are a major source of discovery of the nature of cancer and of the development of more effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. They also deliver medical advances to patients and their families, educate health-care professionals and the public, and reach out to underserved populations. They may be freestanding organizations, a center within an academic institution, or part of a consortium of institutions
3. Your healthcare Team: Your Doctor Is Only the Beginning
You are the most important member of your healthcare team. There are many kinds of help available to you through the different members of your healthcare team — nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, home health aides, rehabilitation specialists, dietitians, and clergy. The NCI Fact Sheet on healthcare Teams is a good guide.
To complete your Road Map, read the information in the section on Treatments.
