Read about upcoming changes to UnitedHealthcare coverage.
Every day, nearly 5,800 Americans receive a cancer diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. Alongside an early diagnosis and advanced treatment options, comprehensive cancer support helps lead to a positive outcome.
“The best cancer care takes an integrative approach,” says Dr. Chiti Parikh, executive director of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This combines all of the evidence-based medicine into one treatment plan for the patient, customizing it to what they need.”
After being diagnosed with cancer, you may not know what support services you need. You just know that you need guidance. A few cancer support services that may assist you through your journey include:
● Genetic counseling. Sometimes, mutations in your genes can cause cancer. Genetic testing can uncover those abnormal genes, enabling your team to understand your cancer better. A genetic counselor can work with you as you make treatment decisions and assist your family members in understanding their potential risks.
● Nutrition services. During cancer treatment, your body has unique nutritional needs. You may need more calories and protein, and your diet may need to change due to how cancer treatments affect appetite and digestion. It’s also important to be more vigilant about food safety. A dietitian can help with all that and more.
● Support groups. Facing cancer can be a lonely endeavor. Connecting with friends and family members reminds you that you aren’t alone. Connecting with others in support groups does the same. Along with boosting your mental health, joining a support group may even improve your odds of surviving cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
● Symptom and side effect management. Fatigue, pain, anemia and hair loss are a few common side effects and symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. Your care team will work with you to minimize these issues with pain management services, palliative care and more. They’ll also strive to reduce your risk of potential complications, such as heart disease and infertility, after treatment. Cardio-oncologists specialize in preventing cardiovascular disease in cancer patients and survivors, and oncofertility experts focus on preserving your ability to have children after undergoing cancer treatment.
No matter what other cancer support services you access, ongoing education is a must.
“Every patient’s journey is unique,” Dr. Parikh says, “and your education journey will be as well.”
The bulk of your education will come from your cancer team. Depending on your specific disease and treatment plan, you may learn from a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, surgical oncologist or other specialist. These experts guide you through your specific diagnosis, treatment options, ways to reduce side effects and what to expect during recovery. A patient navigator provides additional education and support. This professional can also coordinate your cancer care services and connect you with community or hospital-based resources.
When away from your team, you may want to learn more on your own. The internet makes this easier than ever. Just be careful, as websites are not all created equal.
When seeking cancer information online, stick to trusted sources, such as the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute. If you have a question about a new or different treatment, talk to your team, and remember that your journey is unique.
“So many factors go into a person’s experience with cancer,” Dr. Parikh says. “You can have the same cancer as someone else but have a totally different treatment or outcome, due to your health history, genetics and other factors.”
Cancer support services can enhance your cancer journey and improve your quality of life during and after treatment. Knowing your options ensures you get the care you need, today and tomorrow.
