Ask CancerCare

Ask CancerCare is one more way for you to connect with our experts. Each month, we will post information and resources on a particular topic that concerns people with cancer and their loved ones.

Featured experts from CancerCare's staff of professional oncology social workers will discuss the topic, provide tips, and answer common questions people have. You can then submit your own question on the featured topic for the chance to have it answered in this column.

May 2008

This Month's Topic: Communicating with Your Medical Team

Submit Your Questions on this Month's Topic

Featured Expert: Kathy Nugent, LCSW

Q. My mother was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and is seeing a local oncologist. I'm wondering, though, if I should research oncologists or hospitals that specialize in the treatment of colon cancer. I don't think she wants to change, but I want to make sure we're doing everything possible. Should I proceed with my research?

A. Dealing with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one can be a very difficult and stressful experience. Caregivers struggle with how they can help their family member while at the same time not take over making medical and life decisions. One way you can feel more helpful is to find out information about the diagnosis, treatment and possible clinical trials. You may also suggest getting a second opinion from a specialist. It is important, however, to listen to your mother and not make the decisions for her. Ultimately, she has to feel comfortable and trust her doctor. Being able to communicate with the doctor and the medical team will help improve the quality of the care your mother receives.

Talk to your mother about your concerns. If she is finding it difficult to talk to her doctor, help her formulate questions and offer to go to her treatments and doctor visits. Often times, patients have a difficult time absorbing all that is said during an appointment, so you can be helpful by taking notes. This will not only provide support to your mother but may also allow you to feel more in control.

For more tips, see our fact sheet, "Doctor, Can We Talk? Tips for Communicating With Your Health Care Team" PDF [español] PDF . The Lance Armstrong Foundation also offers additional detailed information.

You might also want to join a support group to address some of your concerns and hear how others manage communication issues. CancerCare offers telephone, on line and face-to-face support groups for caregivers. Caring for yourself is vitally important when facing a loved one's cancer, and finding the support you need can help you feel less alone. To learn more about how to help your loved one with medical as well as emotional issues, read our Connect Booklet, Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer PDF .

Kathy Nugent, LCSW is Director of Social Services for CancerCare of New Jersey. A CancerCare employee for over 25 years, Kathy has been a featured presenter at numerous workshops and seminars on the psychosocial impact of cancer, care giving and bereavement.

Do you have a question regarding communicating with your medical team? We invite you to use the space below to Ask CancerCare.

All questions are submitted anonymously, and responses to selected questions will be posted on this page. Please note that not all questions can be answered, and that you may contact CancerCare directly for information and guidance.

CancerCare provides free professional support services, including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help. These services are provided by professional oncology social workers. If you have a specific concern or question and would like to speak with an oncology social worker, please contact us at info@cancercare.org or 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).

For questions about medical issues, please visit Cancer.net, the patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Archive of Ask CancerCare questions and answers from previous months: