We have put together a list of things to think about when you are first diagnosed with cancer to help you plan and prepare.
- Seek support. There are many organisations that can guide and support you on a range of cancer topics. These include Cancer Council and Cancer Australia. There are also many cancer/tumor-specific organisations who can help you. Cancer Council has information on different cancer types, including support organisations, in their Cancer Services ACT Directory.
- Here at Canberra Health Services we offer a cancer counselling service to patients and their families. Find out more about our cancer counselling.
- Choose a care provider. Our Canberra Region Cancer Centre provides public outpatient cancer treatment and services, as well as public and private inpatient care and treatment. There are also many private treatment options in Canberra and the surrounding region. We encourage you to read Cancer Council’s information on finding a specialist.
- Learn about treatment costs. We have general information about whether you’ll have to pay for your care.
- Find out what to expect if you’re having surgery. In some cases, you may have surgery related to your cancer before you meet with one of our specialists at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre. We have information about what to expect if you’re having surgery at Canberra Hospital.
- Learn about who will be taking care of you. We have general information about who will be involved in your care. This also includes a list of questions to ask your doctor about your care.
- Learn about treatments services we offer. We offer a range of cancer treatments and services. You can read about cancer services offered here at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.
Your experience with cancer will not be the same as everyone else’s, so this list is just a guide. We have more detailed information on what to expect, and what you need to know, before, during and after your time with us here at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.
