How to choose your cancer care team?

When you are diagnosed with cancer, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and scared. It can feel like your life has suddenly changed. But the most important thing is to know that you are not alone in this fight. There is a large team of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other skilled professionals, who are there to treat you, care for you, and support you. We simply call this group a 'cancer care team'. You will be working closely with this team for a long time. Therefore, it is very important to choose a team that you can trust and feel comfortable talking to.

Who are the possible members of your medical team?

During your cancer treatment journey, you will meet with a variety of specialists and health professionals. All of these people work together to provide you with the best possible care. Let's take a look at who is typically included in this team.

How to choose the best doctor and hospital?

The leader of your care team will be your oncologist. So, it's worth taking the time to find a doctor you can trust and talk to in a friendly way. You can get a referral from your primary care doctor.

Once you have a few names of doctors, do some more research on them. If possible, talk to two or three doctors and choose the one who is the best fit for you. You don't need to be afraid to ask the doctor these questions.

• Ask, "What types of cancer do you specialize in?" Because it's very valuable to have a doctor who has experience treating the type of cancer you have.
• "Are you board-certified in medical oncology?" This means that the doctor has received special training in cancer and works according to a certain standard.
• "How long have you been working in this field? How many cancer patients have you treated like me?" Remember, experience is very important.
• "Are you interested in participating in clinical trials?" These are research-based tests that look at how effective new drugs are. If standard treatments don't work, they may be another option for you.
• "Who else is on your team?" A good doctor should have at least a nurse and a social worker. You should be able to talk easily with everyone who treats you.
• "What hospitals do you work with?" Sometimes you can choose a hospital with a good cancer treatment center, and then choose a good doctor who works at that hospital.

The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask questions. This is your life. Your health. So, explain everything that is on your mind.

Consider these things when choosing a hospital

It is important that the hospital you receive treatment at has a good reputation and expertise in treating your type of cancer. If you live in a small town, you may have to travel a long distance to a larger city to get to a hospital with better facilities. This is especially important if you have a rare type of cancer.

Check if the hospital you choose has these things:

• Is there a unit with specialist doctors and nurses trained to treat cancer patients?
• All the services you needCan I get everything from one place? (e.g., blood tests, rehabilitation services, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation).
• Is it a place that uses the latest treatments and diagnostic technologies ?
• Are there any clinical trials that you can participate in at that hospital? Or can you be referred to another hospital that has similar trials?

The doctor's character is also very important.

In addition to a doctor's knowledge and experience, the way he or she talks to you and treats you is also very important. When choosing a treatment team leader, consider the following:

• Do you feel more comfortable with a male doctor or a female doctor?
• What kind of person is the doctor? Is he kind and caring? Or is he serious and professional? What kind of person do you prefer?
• If you have any doubts or uncertainties about your treatment, never be afraid to get a second opinion from another doctor . It is your right.