You may have come across several different kinds of cancer along with various kinds of symptoms. A majority of symptoms caused by cancer would affect a specific part of the body, specifically where cancer has been located. It would be inclusive of swellings, pain or lumps in a specific area, changes to bowel movements, or bleeding. However, the other symptoms would be relatively more general inclusive of weight loss and tiredness.
Several other illnesses that have been relatively more common and less serious than cancer could cause similar kinds of symptoms. It could at times make it relatively difficult for healthcare professionals in order to spot cancer. Lisa Abaid would recommend asking specific questions to the healthcare team.
Questions to inquire from a healthcare team
The below mentioned questions along with other queries of your own would help you in discussing your symptoms along with the investigations or referrals you have been offered with your respective healthcare team.
- Questions about your symptoms
You should inquire about your symptoms along with the reasons causing them.
- Questions about investigations and tests
You should inquire about the investigations and tests offered to you. It would also be imperative to inquire about the tests involved, where the tests would be carried out, and do you need to undergo the tests in a hospital. You should also inquire about the time taken for these tests and the time taken to get the results.
- Referral to a cancer specialist
You should inquire about the reason for being referred to a cancer specialist. Are you being referred to John V Brown for you are suffering from cancer? Inquire about what would happen at the appointment with a cancer specialist along with the tests and investigations that you would need.
- Support and information
You should inquire about any support organizations near you that could offer adequate information for your family and caretakers.
- Information for family members, caretakers, and friends
You should seek adequate information for your family member, friends, and caretakers. The information should be inclusive of what you could do to assist and support the person having assumed cancer. You should also inquire whether there has been any additional support that your caretaker would benefit from or should be entitled to.
It would be pertinent to mention here that the gynecologic oncologist would check your respective symptoms and carry out essential tests if need be. They would ensure whether or not you should be referred to a cancer specialist or not.