Cancer Treatments

Treatment Decisions

There are so many factors to consider before launching your personal fight against cancer, from finances to the emotional strain on loved ones. St. Mary's team of cancer specialists has the expertise to recommend the best course of action for your particular type of cancer, but you must take an active role in your care.

Here are some things to consider before agreeing to cancer treatment:

Second Opinion

If you have been diagnosed with cancer by your primary care physician, it is wise to get a second opinion from a cancer specialist. In fact, many health insurance plans require a second opinion before covering some treatment costs. If the specialist agrees with the first diagnosis, he or she can let you know what treatment options exist for your type of cancer, depending on how advanced it is.

Prognosis

A prognosis is a cancer specialist's best estimate of how your disease will respond to treatment, and what your life expectancy may be. Some patients, especially if their cancer was discovered in the early stages, may only need minor treatment. At the other end of the spectrum, patients with advanced cancer may not have any treatment options, or they have an aggressive form of cancer with a very low survival rate.

Patients who receive the worst news may go ahead with treatment anyway in the hope of a cure, or to live long enough to take care of personal affairs. Others may refuse treatment. Whatever decision you make, consider the wishes of loved ones, and talk it over with your cancer care team.

Cost/Insurance Coverage

Because cancer treatment involves sophisticated techniques, machinery and medicine, it can be very expensive. Some treatments require a hospital stay of one night or more, which adds on to the overall cost. Health insurance and managed care plans rarely cover all the costs of cancer treatment, so it’s important to find out what is and is not covered by your policy. Uncovered expenses are the patient’s responsibility.

Caregivers

Cancer treatment is difficult to get through without help from family or friends. In addition to emotional support, caregivers can provide transportation to and from treatment sessions, help with housework, grocery shopping and other personal affairs, and help the patient take an active role in the treatment process. You don’t have to fight cancer alone!

Legal Issues

No matter what your prognosis may be, it is wise to prepare legal documents that spell out how your cancer treatments and personal affairs should be handled, if you become unable to make decisions. Advance directives include documents such as living wills, medical power of attorney and do-not-resuscitate orders.