Cancer is a complex disease, and it presents itself in many different forms in the human body. Since there are so many different types of cancer, there are many different treatment options to explore. Unfortunately, there is no “right” approach to cancer care treatment, since every individual case of cancer is different, and there is no universal cure for cancer. So, if you are someone that has cancer, what cancer care approach makes the most sense for your condition?
The starting point in this cancer journey is a consultation at cancer care centers like Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) located in Bangor, Maine that has been accredited through the CancerCare of Maine Commission on Cancer approval (gold standard in cancer care) since 1962. During this initial consultation and first meetings, doctors will work to better understand the specific cancer condition of the patient. This may include (but not limited to) the specific type of cancer, the stage, the areas of the body impacted by this disease, and the treatment that may make the most sense to fight this disease. Referring back to Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) as an example, this recognized cancer care facility offers many different treatments such as chemotherapy, hormones, biologics (in outpatient, inpatient, home settings), radiation therapy, 3-D external beam, intensity modulated (IMRT), high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR), and low-dose rate brachytherapy (seed implant).
Many cancer care centers will also allow patients to participate in clinical trials, which represents some of the latest research and technology in cancer care. When working with your doctor, you can better understand your treatment path, including when it starts, how long it takes, the side effects, and typical statistics in terms of results and long-term recovery. Since this information may be difficult to understand and remember, especially as the patient, it is beneficial to bring a loved one with you to help process these details, and ask questions.