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Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming. You may feel scared, confused, or unsure about what to do next. Understanding what you need to know as you get started can help you take the next steps and get the care you need.

Understanding the basics

Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases. It’s helpful if you understand something about the specific type of cancer or cancer-related syndrome you have been diagnosed with. Depending on how your diagnosis was made, you might need other tests or procedures to get additional information. These will help identify the size, location, and seriousness of your cancer. Altogether, this information helps determine the stage of your cancer. Your doctor will use information about the type and stage of your cancer to help you make decisions about treatment.

Finding a cancer doctor

The doctor who makes your cancer diagnosis will talk with you about choosing a cancer doctor. Cancer care is usually delivered by a team of doctors and health professionals working together. You won’t meet everyone right away. Your team will grow as your treatment plan develops. Learn more about who makes up your cancer care team.

Some of the people on your team may include:

• Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in treating cancer
• Surgeon: A doctor who can remove tumors or take biopsies
• Nurse: Help with treatments, give support, and answer questions.
• Social worker or patient navigator: Helps with emotional support, paperwork, and finding services.

Finding a cancer center

In addition to choosing a cancer doctor, you will need to decide where you want to be treated. Sometimes, you make this decision before you choose a cancer doctor, but often it’s done at the same time or soon afterward. You can go to:

• A local hospital
• A cancer center
• A teaching hospital or university medical center
• A comprehensive cancer center

Many factors should go into this decision, including how experienced the center is in treating your type of cancer, its location, and whether it accepts your insurance. Cancer centers and hospitals collect data on the number of cancer cases they treat as part of their cancer registries or surveillance programs. You can also find information about the programs and the services they offer on their websites. Learn more about things to consider when choosing a cancer center or hospital. 

Understanding your insurance coverage

Cancer care and treatment can be expensive. And many people have unplanned expenses related to their care. Finances can be a source of stress and anxiety, and may feel overwhelming. Sometimes, costs keep people from completing cancer treatment. This increases health risks and may lead to future expenses.

A good first step is to understand your insurance plan. You’ll want to make sure that the cancer doctor and cancer center you are working with are covered by your insurance. As you make appointments with specialists and members of your cancer care team, check to see if they are covered by your insurance. Learn more about the costs of cancer treatment.

Try to keep organized

As you go through your cancer journey, try to keep all your important information in one place. This might include:

• Test results and lab reports
• Appointment dates and contact information
• List of medications
• Insurance papers
• Questions for your doctor

Having everything organized can help you feel more in control. Resources like the Cancer Care Toolkit can help you stay organized.

Taking charge of your care

You are the most important person on your care team. Advocating for yourself can help give you a sense of control in a time of uncertainty. Self-advocacy doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. It can be as easy as asking questions at a doctor's appointment. It also means that you alone aren’t responsible for your cancer care. It can also mean seeking additional support from others.

Self-advocacy is an ongoing process. It begins when you get the cancer diagnosis and continues through follow-up care and after treatment. Ways you start advocating for yourself can include the following choices:

• Learn more about the type of cancer you have.
• Ask your health care team for answers to questions and tell them how you're feeling.
• Look at reliable websites that provide education, programs and services, and support for people with cancer and their families.
• Discuss the information you find online with your health care team.
• Consider getting a second opinion about your treatment plan.

Get support

A cancer diagnosis can bring many emotional and practical challenges. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged. Talking with your health care team, loved ones, or a counselor can help. Support groups offer a chance to share experiences and learn from others.

If you're struggling with sleep, appetite, or daily tasks, ask your care team about counseling or mental health support. Your care team may also refer you to palliative care to help manage symptoms you are having related to the cancer. Creative activities like journaling, art, prayer, or meditation can also help manage stress.

You may also need practical or financial help. Don’t hesitate to ask for support with work, parenting, transportation, or costs of care. Many hospitals offer services such as:

• Patient navigation
• Counseling and support groups
• Financial and transportation assistance
• Nutrition and fitness programs
• Complementary therapies (like massage or meditation)

Connecting with others who have cancer, especially those with similar diagnoses, can be a powerful form of self-advocacy. Some organizations offer "buddy" programs to connect newly diagnosed patients with survivors.

The P站视频 offers many programs and services that you might find helpful including assistance with transportation, lodging during treatment, navigation services to use throughout your journey, and opportunities to connect.

Remember: You're not alone, and support is available for every part of your cancer journey.