How to Take Control of Your Cancer Diagnosis

No matter how healthy you are cancer can strike anyone. Approximately half of all men and a third of all women, in the United States, will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Being the recipient of a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult moments in your life. If you find yourself, or a loved one, facing a new cancer diagnosis, there are a few things you can do that will make you feel in control of your situation.

Instructions

• 1

  Spend the time to find your cancer cure team. You do not have to accept the fate that your family doctor hands you as a referral to a surgeon, or oncologist that may simply have an open appointment. The facility and employees at your sight of treatment are a place you will be visiting often. Get a sense for the environment and take a moment to see if the support staff cares about your situation. A positive, clean atmosphere will help you avoid stress and do wonders to aid in your recovery process. Research your doctor's qualifications, always, but take the additional steps of meeting with your doctor and get a feel for his bed side manner, passion for the cure, and caring level. It will make all the difference in the world.

• 2

  Learn everything you can about your cancer, from they type of cancer to any recent breakthrough in treatments. Speak to your doctor about updated materials on the subject. It is also good to obtain a second opinion. Check with your insurance company on the coverage for a second opinion, most insurance companies will cover this provided the doctors are within network.

• 3

  Support Team

  Develop a support team of family and friends. Although you may not want to tell others about your cancer, you will be surprised to learn how many people this disease has effected and how many will want to help. According to the American Cancer Society, 11.5 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2010. You are not going through this alone, and having loved ones to talk to and accompany you on your appointments can strengthen your resolve.

• 4

  Become an active participant in your own recovery. An open dialog with your cancer cure team is important. Your doctors are trained to remove your cancer, be it through chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. As a compliment to your treatment, ask your cancer cure team about other factors that can aid in your recovery such as: lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition.

• 5

  Contact your insurance company. The type of insurance coverage you have may include a deductible being met prior to full coverage, or other nuances. Find out what percentage of your medical bill, if any you may be responsible for, if there is a deductible to be met, and what other details you will need to be aware of about your insurance coverage.

• 6

  Work the Phones

  Learn about your rights at work. Based on your situation you may qualify for intermittent FMLA leave, or full time FMLA leave. Your company may also have disability coverage, and you may qualify for state or federal disability. Contact your company's human resource manager to communicate your cancer diagnosis, and find out what benefits may be available to you.