Cancer diagnosis — A Mayo Clinic cancer specialist offers advice for coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
About half of all men and a third of all women in the United States will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetimes. A cancer diagnosis often comes with little warning. Here, Edward Creagan, M.D., a cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., offers his advice on what to expect and how to cope after a cancer diagnosis.
When should you consult a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment (oncologist)?
This depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the treatment options that are available. Many different types of cancer exist and not all require an oncologist. For example, some cancers, such as basal cell skin cancers, can be surgically removed and have virtually no probability of recurring. Other cancers, such as certain thyroid tumors, are better treated by thyroid specialists, as these doctors treat those types of cancers much more often than oncologists do. For the vast majority of cancers, it's always a good idea to at least consult an oncologist to get his or her opinion. Discuss with your doctor who is the best specialist for your type of cancer.
What qualities should you look for in a doctor?
Look for a doctor who:
- Listens. It's important to find a doctor who will listen to your concerns. It will be easier for you to ask this doctor questions.
- Explains. You want a doctor who can use plain language to explain what you have, what the treatment options are and what your prognosis is in terms you can understand.
- Understands. You want that elusive quality of chemistry between you and your doctor — a doctor who understands you. If it isn't there, find someone else. He or she may have all of the credentials, but if the chemistry between you and the doctor isn't positive, you might do well to switch.
Make the relationship with your doctor a working partnership. The best treatment relationship is a proactive, participatory one.
Don't all cancer treatments have awful side effects?
Not necessarily. Cancer treatments do have side effects, but most are predictable. Your doctor can outline a plan to prevent many side effects and otherwise treat or lessen others. In general, side effects are reversible, and helping you cope with them should be a focus of your doctor.
Take the potential side effects into consideration when choosing a treatment, but also know that most aren't as bad as you've heard. Ask your doctor what you can expect. How sick are you going to be? How much energy are you going to have during treatment? If you work 50 hours a week now, will you be able to work 50 hours a week during treatment? Will you be able to work 20 hours? Know the answers to these questions. Treatment is your decision.
Last Updated: 07/16/2007
