Deciding on the best cancer treatment and follow up care for me
Is the cancer I have curable?
'Cure' means the cancer will go away with treatment and is not expected to come back. Your clinical team will be able to tell you about the aims of the treatment you will be receiving - to cure your cancer or to slow the progression of the disease and help manage symptoms.
- https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/can-cancer-be-cured.html
What are my treatment options?
There are many different types of cancer treatment. From surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy to newer ones like targeted treatment. Your clinical team will go through the best options for you.
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment
How do I know what is best for me?
There are a number of patient support tools that have been developed to help you make your choice.
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/your-treatment-options/making-treatment-decisions
What will treatment involve? How much time do I need to commit?
This will depend on the treatment you receive. For example surgery may mean you have to stay in hospital for a period of time. Chemotherapy may require a number of visits and tests. Details about the treatment you will receive will be given to you by your cancer team.
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/your-treatment-options/questions-to-ask-your-healthcare-team
What are the side effects and how long will I have them for?
Your cancer treatment will likely have some side effects and these can be short term (during treatment) or longer term (occur at a later stage after treatment). Ask your clinical team for information about the effects of treatment - they will have written information or will be able to explain these to you in person (or over the phone if you prefer).
Will the treatments offered affect my ability to work or do my usual daily activities?
You can talk to your cancer team about how treatment will affect your everyday activities such as working, keeping active or driving.
How may this all affect any existing health conditions I have or interact with any medication I take already?
Make sure your cancer team are aware of any other health conditions that you may have. These will be taken into account in planning of your treatment. They will also talk with you about any implications of cancer treatment on these existing conditions.
I have heard about cancer clinical research trials. Would I be able to join a clinical trial for my cancer?
Ask your clinical team if there are any clinical trials that would be relevant for you to join.
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials
I may need more practical support around finances, benefits and work. Who can I ask?
These are important questions to ask. Have a look at the links included here. Also ask your clinical nurse specialist for a holistic needs assessment to be conducted with you. This will help identify the issues that you might be experiencing. A care plan can be drawn up to signpost/refer you to local services that will be able to help you.
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/financial-support/what-benefits-can-I-claim
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/innovation-in-cancer-care/holistic-needs-assessment
How can I make sure I can be as physically fit as I can for upcoming treatment?
Improving your physical health before you undertake treatment has been shown to be of benefit. You can ask if there is a local physical activity programme for people with cancer that you can take part in.
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/prehabilitation/what-is-prehabilitation
Disclaimer
This checklist as been co-created with residents, patients and carers from the five north central London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, as well as healthcare professionals. The checklist gives an overall picture of the main steps in the cancer pathway but recognises there will be variation for many people. The signposted third party resources have been carefully selected and verified. We endeavour to ensure they are current and active but cannot guarantee this.