Understanding your diagnosis
Many people are uncertain about what they need to know after hearing the words “You have cancer”.
The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher chance that it is treatable and curable
Learn more about statistics on Blacks with different types of cancer diagnoses.
What a cancer patient needs to know
After confirming the diagnosis, your oncologist will conduct a series of tests (labs of your blood, urine, and stool, x-rays, endoscopies, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs) to determine if cancer exists, where it’s located, how large it is, and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. The terms oncologists used are localized metatasis carcinoma in situ.
GRADE-when the tumor is compared to healthy cells in the body. The lower the grade, the less aggressive the cancer is and the higher chance of treating and surviving the cancer
STAGE-Some cancers can’t be verified without conducting a biopsy. This is a surgical procedure that takes a sample of the cancer, called a tumor. Staging determines how large the tumor is and how far it has spread from its origin.
Know your stage and grade
Expect your oncologist or the surgeon that performed the biopsy to explain your grade and stage.
There are 4 stages of cancer and up to 4 grades of cancer
Explain why these two factors may determine your treatment plan
Ask for an in person meeting and bring a family member or a friend with you to take notes so you can focus on listening and asking important questions
Understand the treatment plan
Will chemotherapy and/or radiation happen before surgery (neoadjuvant) or will surgery happen then? How long will the treatment take? How will you feel during each stage? What tests will be taken to ensure you are doing okay during therapy? What side effects are considered normal side effects of treatment? Which should be monitored and reported and to whom-the nurse, the PA, or the oncologist/radiologist?
Request referrals for a nutritionists for advice on what to eat and a palliative care specialist for important supportive services while in treatment
Request food transportation and in home care services if needed