self-advocacy: how to communicate your cancer care needs
Cancer can be overwhelming, which is why communication and self-advocacy are important. But you may not know where to start, so we’ve compiled this list with some tips to help you.
information is healthy
It might feel like data overload when you’re first diagnosed, and that’s okay. Taking the time you need to process is important, but don’t let it keep you from being informed. Ask your doctor to write down the name and stage of your cancer. This will help you learn more about your specific type of cancer, as well as help determine what treatment choices you have.
choose reputable sources
When you seek information, make sure you are getting accurate information from reputable, trustworthy places, e.g., organizations like the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute or Healthline. Find more information on navigating your breast cancer education here.
asking is everything
No question is too silly, so don’t be afraid to ask; repeat your question(s) or request a simpler answer if you don’t feel like you understand. It might be helpful to take someone with you when you go to the doctor who can listen, take notes or help you in other ways. You can also ask to record the conversation so you can better remember what was discussed with your doctor.
your news, your privacy
Let your doctor know how you want to hear updates and get information about your cancer. This includes asking for all the details, or just the main facts. It may also be helpful to understand your provider’s preferences and processes related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
money matters
Talk to your doctor about concerns you have about costs to help you figure out how to manage them. You may feel more prepared by doing your own research about financial considerations or finding and paying for treatment.
Sources: Some portions of this content were originally published by the National Cancer Institute, including the information is healthy; asking is everything; your news, your privacy. See additional resources for a full list of article links.
Additional resources specifically about breast cancer:
American Cancer Society | Breast Cancer
National Cancer Institute | Breast Cancer
Additional resources about cancer and self-advocacy:
National Cancer Institute | Questions to ask your doctor about cancer
National Cancer Institute | Talking with your health care team
National Cancer Institute | Understanding cancer prognosis
National Cancer Institute | Taking Time: Support for people with cancer
Cancer support community | The power of information
American Society of Clinical Oncology | Financial considerations
American Cancer Society | Finding and paying for treatment
Resensation | Navigating your breast cancer education
Some links will navigate you away from the Resensation® website. Links outside of resensation.com are provided as a resource to the viewer, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Axogen. Axogen accepts no responsibility for or control over the content of the linked sites.
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