WHEN IT’S TIME TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT CANCER CARE, YOU HOLD THE KEY

Most of us are eager to play a role in decisions related to our care, but where do we start?

Arecent CARP survey of its members who have or have had cancer, or cared for someone with cancer shows that almost 80 percent want to be involved in their treatment decisions at all times. Encouragingly, a similar percentage felt genuinely consulted by their medical team regarding their cancer care plan.

But in practice how do you make this happen? How can you make sure your cancer care meets your unique needs, values and that it is adapted to your personal situation?

The first step is to take the time to let your medical team know about you – what’s important to you when it comes to your care.

“Doctors can’t be mind-readers about what patients really want. Patients need to talk things over with their care team, get the facts they need, and collaboratively work with their team to make the best decision for themselves” said JohnPeter Bradford, a cancer survivor and co-founder of the advocacy group the Life-Saving Therapies Network (LSTN).

Dr. Rosalyn Juergens, an oncologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, agrees. “A patient’s goals and personal priorities are important for the medical team to evaluate and discuss openly and honestly with the patient.” She adds “as I often explain to my patients, I believe in shared decision-making. I bring to the table expertise on cancer treatments, and

you are the expert of you. Together we can build a plan that is best for you.”

To facilitate this dialogue and empower patients in understanding their choices, LSTN has developed a practical booklet (available here: lifesavingtherapies.com/ early-detection-booklet). While this toolkit is geared towards patients diagnosed at an earlier stage (when the cancer is localised), patients who have been diagnosed at a later stage may also find the practical tips and questions helpful.

However, it’s not always easy to have open discussions about your care with your medical team. The CARP survey reveals that nearly one quarter didn’t feel or were unsure whether they felt comfortable communicating their fears, personal goals, and priorities to their medical team. Many also felt uncomfortable challenging information received from their medical team and nearly half were uncomfortable or unsure about asking for a second medical opinion.

“I know it can be sometimes uncomfortable to share personal information and scary to push back on information, but please speak up and share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This will help us develop a treatment plan that is best suited to you”, stresses Dr. Juergens. “Seeking a second opinion also reflects your commitment to informed decision-making rather than a lack of trust in your medical team, and many doctors may appreciate and support the idea of a second opinion,” she adds.

Bradford agrees. “My medical team and I became partners. The relationship we developed helped me advocate for myself more effectively, and the doctors went an extra mile for me.” To learn more about becoming your own best advocate for your cancer care, or to help others close to you who are facing these challenges, visit the CARP “It’s In You To Fight Cancer” website: everythingzoomer.com/tag/its-in-youto-fight-cancer/

This article was made possible with support from MERCK CANADA INC.