What is a cancer care plan?

A cancer care plan is a programme that is devised by you along with your doctor and nurses. If you are diagnosed with cancer, there needs to be a plan put in place for your treatment, recovery, and everything in-between. Your cancer care plan will include all your wishes and personal needs including how you want to be cared for if you become too ill to make later decisions yourself.

Being diagnosed with cancer can be tough on anyone so there is certainly no set way to plan. You will have lots of questions, so you may find it helpful to talk through them with someone from your healthcare team.

Importance of a cancer care plan?

A cancer care plan allows you to ensure you get the best possible healthcare as you move forward with your treatment. A cancer care plan allows you to use the tools and resources you have been given to move forward positively and encourages you to successfully transition back into normal life after cancer treatment. When your treatment finishes your providers and care team will continue to be available to provide advice, resources, and follow-up care.

When diagnosed with cancer, a patient will have a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care team. This means that specialists from different medical disciplines will combine their expertise to provide you with the best possible cancer treatment depending on your diagnosis. Your care team will include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and others, who work together on your treatment plan.

What your cancer care plan may include:

• Diagnosis and stage of cancer
• Details about treatment, including the type of treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, transplantation, hormone therapy or other), and beginning and ending dates
• Possible late and long-term effects of treatment and their symptoms
• Wellness recommendations, including a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation information
• Emotional effects and support services available
• Contact information
• Recommended cancer screenings and other testing and follow-up appointments

Cavendish Homecare is a specialist in Cancer Care and has the expertise to provide treatment for patients in their own homes. If you are currently caring for a loved one but may require some support or some guidance we can help. Speak to us today and see how we may be able to assist with supporting you / or your loved one with a personalised care plan.