How Cancer Treatment Plans Help Patients
A cancer treatment plan is like a roadmap that doctors use to determine the expected course of treatment for their patients. It is as important for the patient as the treatment team, though many patients do not fully understand its significance.
A patient’s cancer treatment plan is presented in person, usually by the treating oncologist, some time after the initial diagnosis. The plan is based on a number of factors including the type of cancer diagnosed, cancer stage or spread, results from other recommended diagnostic tests, the overall health of the patient, including previously existing medical problems, and the personal preferences or needs of the patient.
Treatment plans generally include this basic information:
Exact cancer diagnosis and stage
Type of treatment that will be given, e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery
How treatment will be given, often referred to as a “modality”
How often treatment will be given
If breaks between treatment cycles are expected and, if so, how long
An estimate of the overall length of treatment
During a meeting where treatment plans are discussed, it is common for emotions to run high. Patients are often stressed, anxious, worried, or overwhelmed. Because of that, it is always helpful for a trusted family member, partner, or friend to be with the patient to provide support and clarification, if needed, about what was discussed.
One thing for patients to consider when they attend their treatment planning appointment is that while care providers create and facilitate treatments and treatment plans every day as a function of their work, patients are often hearing terms and information for the first time and lack the context that medical professionals have. It will be important for patients to learn how to advocate for themselves.
Dr. Srilata Gundala, hematologist/oncologist and founder of Hope & Healing Care Center in Hinsdale, Illinois wants all of her patients to feel empowered to see the treatment planning meeting as an opportunity to learn and understand their cancer diagnosis more completely, “The treatment planning meeting should never feel rushed or abbreviated. Patients deserve the opportunity the treatment plan meeting provides to get questions answered, have their concerns heard, and leave with a sense of what their immediate future while being in treatment might look like. When everyone is on the same page – doctors, patients, and caregivers, treatment goes more smoothly.”
The best way for a newly diagnosed patient to take advantage of the treatment plan meeting is to be prepared. Here are some questions or topics that patients can bring up, if not addressed:
What side effects can be expected, both common and rare?
Will there be any long-term effects from the treatment?
Which supportive resources will be needed and available (pain medication, PT, oxygen, medical equipment, home health visits)?
Who should be contacted with questions or problems during treatment?
What would cause any changes in the treatment plan?
How will it be known if the treatment is working?
Are there any available resources for emotional support or therapy?
Where can credible, reputable, and factual information about the diagnosis be found?
What are the issues that could disrupt the treatment schedule?
Can the schedule be adjusted to accommodate things like vacations, holidays, religious days, work or school needs, or a caregiver’s availability?
Some patients may want to ask about prognosis and others may not. That is a very personal decision that can be discussed and will be respected by the treatment team. Another way for a patient to understand the scope of treatment without asking about prognosis is to ask about the goals of treatment. Goals might be cure, but also disease control or symptom management, to help a patient feel as comfortable as possible.
It is always a good idea to request a copy of the treatment plan in writing. Having access to both written and verbal communication with a treatment team can lower the stress level of patients. Every cancer patient should understand how the treatment plan meeting can and should be a helpful experience. Treatment can be daunting, but having help to understand its scope and plan will make it less so.
Learn more about being empowered during cancer treatment HERE.
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
