Key Messages:

• It is important to find a cancer doctor who knows your type of cancer and can offer you the best treatment options.
  
  
• Finding accurate information about your cancer diagnosis can help to ease some of the anxiety and stress associated with it.
  
  
• You may find it helpful to organize this information using different organizational tools.
  
  
• Coping with cancer can be difficult; identify sources of support to help you during and after treatment.

Once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, there is a lot to figure out. This includes finding a doctor, learning about your diagnosis, getting organized, and finding support.

Finding an oncologist

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer. Oncologists practice in different settings, such as university hospitals, cancer centers, community hospitals, and local offices. It is important to find a doctor who has treated other people with your type of cancer and who can provide you with the best available treatment. The advantages of a cancer center are that the doctors may have more experience treating young adults with cancer, it often offers many clinical trials (research studies involving people), and there is usually a greater availability of support services, such as counseling or nutritional assistance.

To find an oncologist, talk with your primary care or family doctor, your health insurance company, or the local hospital. Or, find an oncologist who is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. In addition, oncologists may be found through the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Children's Oncology Group.

Learning the facts

Many people with cancer say that learning about cancer and knowing what to expect during treatment helped them feel more in control and less anxious. Here are some ways to find cancer information:

• Use the Internet—there are many websites about cancer, including some written just for young adults. Keep in mind that not everything you read on the Internet is reliable, factual, or current. Use the Resources for Young Adults list, and ask your doctor or nurse to recommend some good websites. Find out more about how to evaluate cancer information on the internet.
  
  
• Learn about your treatment plan. Your oncologist will work with you to develop a plan for how to treat the cancer, including what types of treatment you will have and how long treatment may last. Find out more about treating cancer.
  
  
• Get in touch with support groups of other young adults who are going through or have recovered from the same type of cancer as you. Learn more about finding help and support.
  
  
• Go to a public library and ask the librarian to help you find information about your type of cancer.
  
  
• Speak up during your doctor's appointments and ask questions.

There is a lot of information available about cancer, so don't feel like you have to read everything right away. If you find information that's different from what you have been told by your doctor, ask your doctor or nurse to explain the information to you.

Staying organized

As a person diagnosed with cancer, you may be gathering cancer information, making appointments, getting test results, and learning about treatment options. One way to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to become organized. Tips include:

• Keep a record of your appointments, names and phone numbers of your health care team, and appointment notes with these medical forms.
  
  
• Use planning worksheets and calendars from LiveStrong that can help you organize the materials and information you will receive.
  
  
• Ask for a copy of your test results and keep them for future reference.
  
  
• Obtain a record of your cancer treatment with a treatment plan and summary.
  
  
• Keep all of the information in one place, such as a binder or folder.

Learn more about how to organize your cancer care.

Asking for help

Coping with cancer can be difficult sometimes. Your parents, friends, and other young adults with cancer can often provide support. Many people find it helpful to talk with a therapist or counselor trained in helping people with cancer. Find out how to find a counselor in your area. You may also want to find a support group or organization that may be able to provide you additional information, services, and support.

Learn more about Finding Help and Support.

More Information

When the Doctor Says Cancer

Cancer in Young Adults

Additional resources

LIVESTRONG - Organizing Your Cancer Treatment

American Cancer Society: Tools to Monitor Treatment

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: The Cancer Survival Toolbox