1. First, get a second opinion. Medical misdiagnosis is responsible for an incredible amount of unnecessary worry and money spent, not to mention serious medical issues that result from incorrect treatment each year. By soliciting the opinion of multiple specialists, you can arrive at a much better understanding of your unique situation. It is advised that you keep detailed records of who you speak with, when you spoke, and what was discussed. If possible, record the conversations, as a great deal of important information will be covered and you will likely forget much of it.

   Find Cancer Experts is a great patient resource that specializes in connecting cancer patients with experts in individual types of cancer for the purpose of reliable second opinions.

2. Gain an understanding of your diagnosis and particular type of cancer. Being proactive in this can save a lot of confusion and needless problems down the road. Learn what the cause may have been. Do you possibly have a genetic disposition to it (find out for sure)? Is it related to exposure to something, such as a chemical or the environment? What are the risk factors for the disease? The National Cancer Institute’s alphabetical list of cancers is a good source for detailed information about specific types of cancers.
3. Educate yourself about the symptoms of your cancer. Find out what you can do to lessen the affects of symptoms and their impact on your life. Discover in which activities you should engage - and which activities you should avoid - to further minimize the impact of symptoms.
4. Research the various diagnostic procedures. Find out what procedures you should expect to undergo to accurately diagnose your illness. Discover the best treatment option for your condition and how to prepare yourself for these procedures. Consider what to discuss with your friends and loved ones about your diagnosis.
5. Learn about the stages of your cancer, especially your current phase. By learning about the various stages of your cancer you can discover what treatment options are available, whether or not your disease is expected to progress, and if and when it could go into remission.
6. Discover the various treatment options available to you. Learning about treatments gives you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare yourself for the trying time ahead. While exploring the treatment options, do not forget to carefully analyze the benefits and risks associated with each treatment. Get information on the type of tests or assays that can be done to determine how well available chemotherapy does or doesn’t work for a particular kind of cancer. Although most doctors will advocate a strictly conventional treatment method, don’t overlook alternative treatment options. Using an integrative approach to treatment, as advocated by the Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Research, very often yields results far beyond what strictly modern medicine could achieve. While there is not a definite source for alternative treatment information, FACR provides information on several of the most scientifically-sound and promising alternative cancer treatments available today. Please visit our alternative cancer modalities page for further information.
7. Find out about any new clinical trials or experimental treatments. By volunteering to participate in clinical trials, or to undergo experimental treatments, you not only open yourself to a potentially lifesaving therapy that is not yet on the open market, but you have the opportunity to advance science. Be wary of, and attempt to educate yourself on, these treatments, however. Since they are experimental or in clinical trials, they may pose significant risks. The National Cancer Institute provides excellent information on how to find a cancer treatment trial in the U.S.
8. Most importantly, get some support! Being able to share experiences with others is one of the most important coping mechanisms you have. Whether it be a sibling, spouse, counselor, other cancer patient or survivor, talking to someone about your concerns is vital to succeeding against cancer. There are a multitude of organizations that offer not only emotional support for those with cancer, but for the spouses and children of those with cancer as well. As cancer therapies are very often quite expensive, seek out charitable organizations that offer monetary support for cancer patients. Worrying about paying for a treatment necessary for life is something no one should ever have to do. Luckily, there are many organizations that offer generous financial support to cancer patients and their families. Visit our Resources page, where you will find several excellent online sources of support.
9. Discuss all of these things with your doctor. Before selecting an appropriate treatment, it is important that both you and your doctor understand your goals and concerns. Be very open with your doctor regarding your entire treatment regimen. Although your doctor may not wholly support some of the natural or holistic treatments that you may decide to pursue, it is important that he or she knows what you are doing so that there are no undesirable interactions. Also realize that physicians are not instructed on the benefits of natural or alternative treatments in medical school; therefore, your doctor may not be aware of the clinical research behind these treatments unless they have sought out special training or education on such. Ask your oncologist the tough questions! Click here for a good list to begin with.

If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with cancer, you may feel overwhelmed, confused or frightened. But educating yourself as much as possible about the condition can be reassuring and help to bring everyone back to the present situation. Click here for a printable checklist to use when beginning the fight against cancer.