Frequently Asked Questions: Cancer

What Kind of Doctors Treat Cancer?
Cancer is treated by several different cancer specialists including Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists, and Medical Oncologists. Depending on the results of your initial tests, you may have consultations with and be treated by one or all of these types of physicians. Cancer treatment often includes one or all of these types of treatments.

1. Surgery: the cancer cells are biopsied or removed during an operation or procedure.
2. Chemotherapy or Hormone Therapy: medicine is administered either intravenously or by mouth.
3. Radiation Therapy: X-rays or other types of radiation are delivered to treat cancer.

What is an oncologist? Why do I need one?
Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists are physicians who specialize in the study and treatment of cancers. Oncologists are medical school graduates who have completed a residency program and fellowships with specialty training in cancer care. Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with medicine/chemotherapy. Surgical oncologists specialize in surgical aspects of cancer treatment, including biopsy, staging and surgical resection (removal) of tumors. Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer with therapeutic radiation.
Additionally, pediatric oncologists treat children with cancer. Pediatric oncologists often incorporate all three primary disciplines (medical, surgical and radiation) in the care of their young patients. Pediatric oncologists need additional skills because children with cancer face unique problems that require specialized care across the entire spectrum of treatment.

I would like a second opinion, but don’t want to make my doctor mad. What should I do?
Getting a second opinion is common practice in cancer care, so you should not feel guilty about seeking a second opinion. Your oncologist wants you to have peace of mind about the treatment plan you choose. If you need help in seeking a second opinion, talk with your physician.

How do I tell my children I have cancer?
You know your children better than anyone, but here are some guidelines:

• Be honest with your children. They can often imagine things that are much scarier than the reality.
• Use discretion when deciding how much detail to tell them. Usually, the amount of detail a child can understand or absorb increases with age.
• If you don’t think you can tell you kids by yourself, ask a family member, friend or member of your oncology team to help.
• Look for resources (books, Web sites, etc.) that provide guidance on talking with kids about cancer. One suggested Web site is Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org). The American Cancer Society Web site (www.cancer.org) also has useful information about many types of cancer

I live in the suburbs and would rather receive my cancer treatment near here, where it’s more convenient. Should I go to a big cancer center in the city to get the newest treatment?
Where you receive your care is a matter of personal preference. Dedicated community cancer treatment centers now offer most of the same treatments you would find in an academic medical setting. These community cancer centers have an excellent staff of highly skilled physicians who are board-certified and experienced in treating cancer. Local treatment may offer better quality of life because of decreased travel time, ease of access and a closer, long-term relationship with the oncology interdisciplinary team.

Transportation is a problem for me. Are there organizations to help me get to radiation or chemotherapy appointments?
Yes. Local chapters of the American Cancer Society may be able to help. In DuPage County, call (630) 469-3011.