Newly Diagnosed

This section provides information on the following topics:

Newly Diagnosed: First Steps to Take: Review some first steps to take, including questions to ask your oncologist and how to manage and organize your care.

What is Cancer: Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. These cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. This section contains information about cancer.

When the Doctor Says Cancer: For people newly diagnosed with cancer, learn more about finding support, seeking a second opinion, and organizing your cancer care.

Understanding Statistics on Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality: Learn what the statistical terms incidence and prevalence mean, how they differ, and how they can be used to evaluate a person’s risk of cancer and recommend screening.

Understanding Survival Statistics: Learn about how survival statistics are calculated and how they can be used to understand a patient’s specific prognosis

Tests and Procedures: This section describes the many different types of tests and procedures used to diagnose cancer and to find out how far the disease has spread.

The Oncology Team: Learn how oncologists work as part of a health care team, which often includes other specialists, oncology nurses, and additional health care professionals.

Find an Oncologist: Learn more about choosing a doctor and seeking a second opinion. The Find an Oncologist database can be found here.

Questions to Ask the Doctor: An important part of managing your care is knowing what questions to ask of your doctor. Learn more helpful communication tips in this section.

Managing Your Care: Information on organizing your cancer care, including medical forms to track your medical history, appointment notes, and treatment instructions.

Financial Resources: Once diagnosed with cancer, one of the last things you want to worry about is how you are going to pay for treatment and other expenses. This section provides helpful organizations, websites, and contact information.

Being Your Own Advocate: In the cancer community, being a cancer advocate means that you support a cause, idea, or policy regarding cancer, which may include working to change laws and policies that affect people living with cancer. On a more personal level, for someone with cancer, being a self-advocate involves taking an active role in your cancer care.