How to Choose a Cancer Treatment Center

A cancer diagnosis brings with it a seemingly endless list of questions: which treatment to pursue, how to get financial assistance for cancer patients, how to continue to manage daily responsibilities and countless other concerns. Before getting to those details, however, patients need to find a cancer treatment center and assemble a team of qualified experts. According to the American Cancer Society, selecting who will deliver the care is perhaps the most important decision cancer patients will make in their journey. ACS offers a number of tips for those exploring how to find a cancer treatment center that is well-versed in their particular diagnosis. ACS advises that one of the best places to start is with the physician who diagnosed the cancer, as he or she may have experience with particular centers or hospitals that would be a good match. Even if the physician offers a suggestion, it’s important to consider several options in the quest to find a cancer treatment center. Patients should determine which facilities have specific experience with the kind of cancer they’re facing and meet in person with the team of specialists to have all of their questions answered upfront. Beyond experience, consider location, travel time and availability of clinical trials. There are also certain standards that patients may want to ensure their top choices meet. The Joint Commission, for instance, has a thorough accreditation process that cancer facilities must meet. Those looking to find a cancer treatment center will want to make sure their potential picks meet the minimum accreditation threshold. The Commission on Cancer also has a comprehensive list of 1,500 cancer centers...

Planning for Chemotherapy Treatments

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer that sets many patients back on the road to recovery. However, starting chemo can throw a patient’s life into a bit of disarray, as he or she needs to adjust to new schedules, unpleasant side effects, and stressful financial obligations. Having a cancer care plan in place can help patients to face those challenges head-on. Assemble Your Team One of the first steps to consider is selecting an oncologist and a cancer care team. Research extensively and meet in person with the doctors to ensure a good fit. Next, compile questions to ask your oncologist, such as expected timeframes, the ins and out of the chemotherapy process and the cost of chemotherapy. From there, patients and their families can begin to prepare themselves and their lives for this new chapter. Prepare for Side Effects One of the questions for the oncologist should be, what are the side effects of chemotherapy? The treatment affects all patients differently, but common side effects include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, appetite changes, anemia, and others. Learn about what may be coming down the pike before ever starting treatment so you feel prepared both physically and mentally. Knowing the potential side effects of chemotherapy can also help patients to curb some of them. Meal planning or chemotherapy patients, for instance, can help patients lessen some of the treatment effects while promoting good nutrition. Several small meals per day, instead of a few large ones, can minimize nausea while ensuring patients are fortifying their systems. Get Help with Finances The cost of chemotherapy is another potential complication...