This Lung Cancer Month, CARP members are increasingly concerned about the rising rates of lung and other cancers.
CARP advocates for provinces to adopt cancer plans with concrete targets and reporting mechanisms, with specific measures to eliminate cancer care backlogs. CARP also advocates for more investments in cancer care, and finally better screening across provinces.
You can read more CARP’s advocacy here. You can read about lung screening programs available in your provinces here.
In a recent CARP survey on patient involvement in cancer care decisions, 1,200 responses were received from across Canada. Of those, 78% said they want to be involved in treatment decisions at all times, and a similar number felt genuinely consulted about their care plan, though 11% did not.
Over a quarter of respondents felt they hadn’t received enough information on treatment options, including the risks and benefits. About 25% also felt unsure or uncomfortable communicating their fears, personal goals, and priorities to their medical team, and 15% were hesitant to challenge information from their providers. Nearly half expressed discomfort or uncertainty about seeking a second opinion.
CARP members are eager to be active in their care decisions, though some experience barriers to open communication with their medical teams.
Tips on how to work with your cancer care team
You can play an active role with your healthcare team to make important decisions about your cancer care. Working together, you can ensure that the care and treatment decisions are right for you, considering your cancer situation and overall health but also your personal values and life goals. A great way to start is by having a conversation with your healthcare team to let them know more about you and what’s important to you. For instance, your goal may be to stay well enough through treatment to play golf, take a vacation, or to attend an important milestone like a wedding.
Here are key steps to take a more active role in your cancer care:
- Learn about your illness and treatments. Your healthcare team can provide you with the details you need about your diagnosis. Many cancer patients in Canada have access to an online patient portal at their cancer centre. If you don’t have online access to your files, be sure to ask for a printed copy of reports related to your diagnosis. You may also want to get in touch with a patient group that provides resources and support for your type of cancer.
- Ask your doctor questions about your treatment options. Print the list of questions below and bring it your next doctor’s visit. Write down any additional questions you may have.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to re-explain things multiple times – cancer treatments can be complicated, particularly if you’ve only recently been diagnosed.
- Bring a friend or family member to medical appointments.
- Take notes during your visit.
- In most cases, there is no need to rush. Take your time. Remember that there are no wrong decisions, only decisions that are right for you.
