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Cancer diagnosis? Advice for dealing with what comes next
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What advice would you give someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis?
When should you consult a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment (oncologist)?
Is it a good idea to seek a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis?
What qualities should you look for in a doctor?
What should you consider when discussing treatment options?
Don't all cancer treatments have awful side effects?
What role can your family and friends play?
When should you consult a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment (oncologist)?
This depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the treatment options that are available.
There are many different types of cancer and not all require an oncologist. For example, some cancers, such as basal cell skin cancers, can be surgically removed and have virtually no likelihood of recurring.
Other cancers are better treated by other specialists — for example, certain thyroid tumors are better treated by thyroid specialists — as these doctors treat those types of cancers much more often than oncologists do.
For the vast majority of cancers, it's always a good idea to at least consult an oncologist to get his or her opinion. Discuss with your doctor who is the best specialist for your type of cancer.
