Friends & Family
We asked our current members to help us compile a list of the things that they “wished they knew” when their family members were first diagnosed with cancer. Below are resources to help understand cancer and the care family and friends will receive.
Please know that this information is not intended to replace information given to your family by your doctor or other health care professionals. These sites are simply tools to assist you during this time in your life.
General Information About Cancer
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/DS01076
This is an article by the Mayo Clinic that includes an overview of what you may want to know about cancer, its causes, and its treatment. It is written in a way that is easy to understand for those without a background in medicine. The Cancer site by the Mayo Clinic offers many types of additional information that may be of interest to you. The Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world, and is a respected source for current research and medical information.
Treatments and Side Effects
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/overview
The National Cancer Institute’s publication, “What You need to Know about Cancer” is an excellent starting point for information about cancer. Pages 29-37 include information about specific treatments, their side effects, and immediate risks that your family member may encounter. The National Cancer Institute has many publications, including information on current research on cancer and its treatment. They also have a toll-free help line if you need to talk to someone. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research and training.
Long-Term Risks of Certain Treatments
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-survivor/CA00073
The Mayo Clinic article on “Cancer Survivors: Managing late effects of cancer treatment” explains some of the long-term outcomes of cancer treatments. This is an area of ongoing research, as individuals with cancer are living longer than ever.
Making Treatment Decisions
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-treatment/CA00027
The Mayo Clinic’s article, “Cancer treatment decisions: 5 steps to help you decide,” has helpful guidelines to assist your family in making decisions that are right for you.
Questions for the Doctor
http://www.canceradvocacy.org/resources/publications/
The booklet “Teamwork: The Cancer Patient’s Guide to Talking With your Doctor” by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship contains suggestions for many types of questions that may help you during different stages of the cancer experience. The NCCS has many other resources, including audio programs for those who prefer to listen to information. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.
Family
http://www.cancercare.org/reading_room/emotional_support.php
We have included two articles by CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. Both can be found at the Cancer Care organization’s “Reading Room” at the website above.
“What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?”
This article includes quick tips about how to support your family member who has cancer.
“Caregiving for your loved one with cancer”
This booklet includes information for the many things you may face as a caregiver
“When Cancer Happens”or “How to Talk to Kids about Cancer”
This is a booklet/article written by our Children and Families director on how to talk to children about cancer.