1. Understanding Cancer

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging moments in your life. While it may feel overwhelming, knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control as you navigate your treatment journey. This information sheet aims to provide an overview of what life disruptions you might experience, what your treatment journey may look like, and how various healthcare teams will support you.

Life Disruption: What to Expect

Cancer and its treatment can impact your daily life in several ways. Some common disruptions include:

Physical Side Effects: Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can cause fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and other physical changes. Not every type of chemotherapy causes hair loss; ask your specialist nurse and discuss with your team about what your treatment regime will be and ask them what to expect. Not everyone will react the same way - information gathering and being prepared early on is important.

Emotional Changes: It's normal to experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, or frustration. You may want to talk to someone about how you’re feeling—don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Some cancer treatments require hormone blockers to reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body, this in turn can induce menopause and influence mood changes. Any major diagnosis can instigate a grief response - this is known as disenfranchised grief and is completely normal but can be overwhelming especially if people around you don't understand. (Read our guide on disenfranchised grief for more information). Have open discussions with friends and family and have a support plan in place.

One thing that many patients with cancer report is that during active treatment they are very much in 'fight or flight mode'; they are so distracted with the treatment and many hospital appointments that the emotional response doesn't always hit until after treatment has finished (which can be a year or two later). For some patients, the treatment and hospital care stops, everyone around them thinks they are 'finsihed' with their cancer treatment, but this is actually when the emotional response can hit. It might feel like a delayed reaction and isn't well talked about as a result people can feel confused, isolated or even depressed. It is in fact completely normal and understandable; your brain is now able to process the emotional response to a very real trauma now that the treatment has stopped. Read more about this in our guide 'Life After Cancer'.

Adjustments to Daily Routine: You may need to take time off work, adjust your social activities, and change your daily routine to accommodate treatment schedules and recovery times. Speak to your employer and if they have an occupational health service engage with them. If you have income protection cover, this is the time to review your policy and what you are entitled to.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can become more important during your treatment journey. Your healthcare team can provide guidance on this.

Treatment Journey: What to Expect

Initial Diagnosis and Hospital Appointments

Once diagnosed, your doctor will discuss your treatment options. Your initial appointments might include:

1. Consultation with Oncologist: Your cancer specialist will explain the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and the recommended treatment plan.

2. Diagnostic Tests: Additional tests may be needed, such as imaging scans (CT scans, MRIs) or biopsies, to determine the best treatment approach.

Treatment Timeline

Treatment plans vary from person to person, but here’s a general timeline:

1. Weeks 1-3: Initial Consultations

- Meet with specialists (oncologist, surgeon, radiotherapist).

- Discuss different treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy).

- Review side effects and expected outcomes.

2. Weeks 4-12: Treatment Begins

- Depending on the plan, you may start chemotherapy, undergo surgery, or begin radiation therapy. Each treatment type has its own schedule.

- Regular appointments are likely needed every few weeks for chemotherapy or radiation sessions. Surgery will require recovery time.

3. Ongoing Treatment: Weeks 12-24

- Continuation of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, often in cycles (a few weeks of treatment followed by a rest period).

- Frequent check-ins with your healthcare team to monitor progress and manage side effects.

4. Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Months 6-12

- Once initial treatment is completed, you may have follow-up appointments every few months to monitor your health, conduct scans, and manage any long-term side effects.

Duration of Treatment

The total duration of treatment can vary greatly depending on:

- The type of cancer

- Stage of cancer

- Individual response to treatment

Some people may complete treatment within 3 to 6 months, while others may require treatment that lasts a year or more.

Specialty Healthcare Teams

During your treatment journey, you will work with various specialists, including:

• Oncologist: A cancer doctor who specializes in treating cancer (medical, surgical, or radiation oncologist).

• Surgeon: A doctor who performs surgery to remove tumors or affected tissue.

• Radiation Therapist: Specialist in delivering radiation treatment.

• Nurses: Provide care, administer treatments, and offer support and education.

• Dietitian: Helps with nutrition plans tailored to support your health during treatment.

• Psychologist/Counsellor: Offers emotional support and mental health care.

• Palliative Care Team: Provides support for symptom management and quality of life, irrespective of the stage of cancer.

Signposting To Other Support Services

• Macmillan Cancer Support: Offers information and support for people living with cancer. [Macmillan Website](https://www.macmillan.org.uk/)

• Cancer Research UK: Provides comprehensive information on cancer types and treatments. [Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/)

• Local Support Groups: Look for local community groups that offer support services and connect you with others going through similar experiences.

CONCLUSION

Navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be daunting, but remember, you are not alone. Your healthcare team will guide you every step of the way, and various support services are available to help you through this journey.

Feel free to reach out to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or need assistance—they are there to help. You can also lean on friends and family for support during this time. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

CANCER DIAGNOSIS TOOLKIT

1. Understanding Your Diagnosis

- Get Clear Information:

- Request copies of your pathology reports and imaging results.

- Ask your healthcare team to explain the type of cancer, stage, and grade.

- Use reputable websites for more information (e.g., Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK).

- Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

- What type of cancer do I have?

- What stage is it, and what does that mean for my treatment?

- What are my treatment options?

- What are the potential side effects?

2. Emotional Support

Acknowledge Your Feelings:

It’s normal to feel a range of emotions. Give yourself permission to feel and express these emotions. Read our guide to navigating a life changing diagnosis, particularly in understanding 'disenfranchised grief'.

-Encourage your partner, friends and family to also do research and explain to them how they can help you.

Seek Support:

- Contact local support groups or networks. Social media can be a great place to find other patients with a silar diagnosis, community groups or events.

- Use helplines (like Macmillan's support line: 0808 808 00 00).

- Consider speaking to a therapist who specializes in cancer care.

3. Practical Support

- Financial Guidance:

- Explore financial assistance options, including benefits and grants (e.g., Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance).

- Contact charities like Macmillan for financial advice and support.

- Work and Employment Rights:

- Know your rights concerning work and sick leave. Visit the government’s website for information on employment rights.

- Building a Support Network:

- Share your diagnosis with trusted friends and family.

- Designate a primary caregiver or a family member to help manage appointments and treatment plans.

4. Treatment Options

- Understanding Treatment Plans:

- Discuss with your healthcare team about chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or clinical trials.

- Get second opinions if necessary.

- Keep a Treatment Journal:

- Track appointments, medications, side effects, and questions for healthcare providers.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

- Nutrition:

- Explore nutrition options specific to cancer recovery. Consider consulting a dietitian.

- Exercise:

- Understand the benefits of gentle exercise or physical activity. Consult your doctor on what’s suitable for your condition.

6. Side Effects Management

- Common Side Effects:

- Learn about the side effects of treatment and strategies to manage them (fatigue, nausea, pain).

- Palliative Care:

- Discuss options for palliative care if needed, focusing on quality of life and symptom management.

- Local Cancer Services Directory:

- Identify local hospitals, treatment centres, and support services using the NHS website or Macmillan’s patient directory.

A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering, but with the right tools and support, patients can manage the process more effectively. Encourage openness in communication with healthcare providers and loved ones, and remember to prioritize both physical and emotional health.

Additional Tips

- Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team.

- Stay informed and take an active role in your care.

- Self-care is crucial; take time for yourself to relax and recharge.