Diagnosed with Cancer: Your Next Steps

 After a cancer diagnosis is confirmed through imaging and verified by histopathology, the journey ahead may feel overwhelming. The next critical step is to explore and understand treatment options tailored to your unique case. This phase involves consultations with various specialists, discussions on potential therapies, and guidance on resources that can support both medical and emotional needs. With a structured approach and a dedicated care team, you can navigate each stage of treatment with greater clarity and confidence. Our CARES™ Roadmap is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to support you and your loved ones every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond. 

1. CARE™ Concierge/Patient Navigator/Advocate
   Ask if this service is available at your doctor's office or treatment center.  Typically a social worker or patient navigator, offers an overview of the program and connects the patient with the medical team, ensuring smooth coordination between care providers and addressing any initial questions or needs.
2. Surgical Oncology Consult
   For patients whose treatment may involve surgery, a consultation with a surgical oncologist helps determine the feasibility and potential outcomes of surgical intervention as part of the treatment plan.
3. Radiation Oncology Consult
   A radiation oncologist assesses whether radiation therapy would be beneficial, discusses the risks and benefits, and provides information on what to expect during the treatment process.
4. Medical Oncology Consult
   This consultation focuses on chemotherapy and other systemic treatments, allowing patients to understand drug options, schedules, and expected side effects, forming the core medical approach to targeting cancer.
5. Precision Medicine Consult / Clinical Trial Exploration
   The patient’s tumor is profiled through biopsy and advanced testing at a precision medicine facility. This step also involves exploring clinical trials, evaluating eligibility, and weighing potential benefits to personalize treatment.
6. Patient Tumor Registry and Data Inclusion
   The patient's case is added to a tumor registry, contributing to valuable research while providing insights for potential future treatments based on data trends and outcomes.
7. Psycho-Oncology Consult
   Recognizing the mental health challenges of a cancer diagnosis, this step introduces the patient to resources in psycho-oncology, emphasizing the importance of mental health care and offering strategies to manage emotional well-being.
8. Integrative / Functional Medicine Consult
   Patients receive guidance on diet, supplements, and complementary therapies that can support physical health and recovery, fostering a holistic approach to wellness alongside traditional treatment.
9. Home Health CARE Planning
   Home healthcare options such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and speech therapy are discussed to assist patients in their recovery and support their transition back to daily life or ongoing care needs at home.
10. Hospice CARE (if needed)
    If the focus shifts to comfort and quality of life, hospice care provides compassionate support, including pain management and emotional support, ensuring patients and families feel informed and supported through end-of-life care.