BREAST CANCER CARE
Making Wise Breast Cancer Choices
By Karen Lewkowitz, BSN, R.N.
When first diagnosed with breast cancer one is expected to make life altering decisions that will impact survivability and quality of life. As time goes on, the "survivors" are expected to monitor new trends in research and make treatment choices that improve their risk from recurrences and avoid long term harm from earlier treatments. Women who face recurrences must again make treatment choices that are truly life and death.
Most people will get information from their physicians. Some will learn from TV, radio, newspapers and magazine articles. Others will seek out the internet. We must ask ourselves, "What is the medical evidence that I can use to make decisions about my care?" Are one's choices of treatment made on traditional or community standards, intuition or anecdotal information, or medical evidence?" If you can't answer this question, ask your doctor. Treatment choices should be based on good medical evidence.
In surveying a source for medical evidence, consider the validity and reliability of the information. Claims for a scientific breakthrough, miraculous cure, secret ingredients or ancient remedies should make one suspicious. If a treatment claims to cure a wide range of illnesses or if it only is available at one source-beware. If treatment recommendations are based on testimony by physician or patients and not backed up by strong medical evidence-steer clear.
Where are the best guidelines for making and reviewing treatment choices? Here are a few reliable resources:
- To learn how to get the information and help one needs in making treatment decisions try the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's (NBCCF) "Guide to Quality Breast Cancer Care", free, available in English and Spanish, at 1-800-622-2838 or www.stopbreastcancer.org.
- Dr. Susan Love, is a world recognized leader in breast cancer. Her book, Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book is a bible of reliable information and resource in bookstores throughout the country. Free information is available online at www.susanlovemd.com.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the main government agency for breast cancer research and treatment. NCI guidelines for breast cancer treatment are available, free, at 1-800-422-6237 or www.cancer.gov.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a non-profit group of 19 cancer centers that support state of the art cancer care. NCCN breast cancer treatment guidelines are available, free, at 1-888-909-6226 or www.nccn.org.
- CURE Magazine's 2007 Cancer Resource Guide, provides easy to understand essentials about cancer and cancer care. It is not specific to breast cancer, but provides answers in a quick concise source. Free, at 1-800-210-CURE, or www.cure.today.com.
- Breast Cancer Strategies for Living, A Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, is a more comprehensive overview of breast cancer biology, detection, treatments, and strategies for living. This 48 page booklet is available for a charge at 1-888-456-1222 or www.health.harvard.edu.
Five Steps to Breast Cancer Care
- Take Some Time Most women don't need to rush into treatment. By taking some time to learn about breast cancer, you can make better choices. Ask your doctor if your decisions can wait a few weeks.
- Learn About Your Cancer Your treatment depends on your diagnosis. Ask your doctor or nurse: What is my diagnosis? Are there any other names for it? What are my treatment options? Try to get a second opinion on both your diagnosis and treatment options.
- Ask Questions Ask lots of questions. Bring a friend or family member to your appointments if you can. Before choosing a treatment, ask your doctor or nurse: What is this treatment supposed to do? What is my risk of getting breast cancer again if I do have this treatment? What if I don't? How likely am I to be alive in 5 or 10 years if I do have this treatment? What if I don't? What are the risks of bad side effects? Will any side effect last for the rest of my life? Find out how many new breast cancer patients your doctor treats each year. Studies show that the best patient outcomes result from doctors who treat at least 30-50 new patients per year.
- Investigate Medical Evidence There is not a "one size fits all" for breast cancer. Ask your doctor or nurse for evidence-based guidelines explaining which treatments are most likely to work. Get information that you can trust; see "Making Wise Breast Cancer Choices" on this page.
- Get Support You may be able to get help dealing with your emotions, transportation, finances, and solving problems with family, treatments, and insurance. Contact Bosom Buddies 24/7 Hotline @ 602-231-6648 or attend one our 5 monthly support group meeting held throughout the valley each month (see page 4 for time, location, and contact info. We are here to help you find the resources you need so that you do not face breast cancer alone.
Adapted from "The Guide to Quality Breast Cancer Care," National Breast Cancer Coalition www.stopbreastcancer.org
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