Embracing Technology For Cancer Care

Cancer treatment comes with its very own set of language - including terminology associated with the extensive technology used to detect, diagnose, and treat cancer. It’s difficult enough to receive a diagnosis for cancer; it’s even more challenging to have that diagnosis include a variety of technology and terminology that seems almost impossible to understand.

This particular challenge is something that every cancer patient has to deal with and the sooner you can make friends with the technology that is going to be a part of your life - at least during this particular time - the sooner you will begin to feel more comfortable with your treatment plan. Yes, this can feel like learning shorthand in record time; but it’s important to get educated so that you can make the decisions necessary for your health.

Here’s how to get educated:

·         There’s no greater resource for information than your doctors and medical team. There is no underestimating the need to ask questions. Keep a list of questions that you would like answered and call upon loved ones to help you think of questions that you may not have considered.

·    Get online. There are fantastic online resources that will allow you to learn more about the technology and treatments that will be used to manage your care. Gather as much information as you can and enlist the help of your friends and family to help organize the information you gather.

Go to a support group. When you’re in a difficult time in your life, there’s often nothing more helpful than being around people who are going through the same thing. Cancer support groups exist around the country and provide a safe place to share your stories, gain support, and pick the brains of those who have been where you are and can offer unique insight.