The cancer care system can seem overwhelming at first, but the Lung Health Foundation is here to help you navigate it so that you feel supported and empowered.
Treating lung cancer is a team effort, so you may interact with a number of new faces during your cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. Your lung cancer care team may include:
Your lung cancer care team may include:
You: Yes, you! You are the most important part of your care team. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and communicate with other members of your care team.
Medical Oncologist: A specialized physician who will oversee your care. They may prescribe chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy as part of your treatment.
Surgical Oncologist: A surgeon who has special training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer with a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by removing tumors or other cancerous tissue.
Radiation Oncologist: A specialized physician who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer
Respirologist: A specialized physician who treats lung diseases. They perform procedures at the time of diagnosis and may also assist with symptom management.
Palliative care doctor: A specialized physician who can help relieve symptoms and side effects in order to improve your quality of life.
Oncology Nurse: A registered nurse or nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of people with cancer. They may deliver your chemotherapy treatments or assist with radiation therapy. Oncology nurses provide both emotional and practical support during your treatment.
Social Worker: A registered professional who provides emotional support and financial counselling. They can help you find community resources.
Pharmacist: A registered professional who can counsel you on your medications and identify potential side effects
Dietician: A registered professional who can help you meet your nutritional needs while in treatment.
Advocating for yourself
Advocating for yourself can help you to feel more empowered as you go through the cancer care process.
5 Ways You Can Advocate for Yourself!
- Ask questions – lots of questions. This will help you understand what’s next, avoid misunderstandings, and figure out where to go for help when you need it.
- Take notes: Keep a record of the decisions made at each appointment, any medications discussed, and any educational materials provided. If you are feeling overwhelmed, this will allow you to go back and review what has happened and why. It will also help you ask informed questions when you communicate with your healthcare team members.
- Know your rights: By law, patients are allowed to see their own medical records and can keep copies of these reports for themselves. Some institutions use electronic medical records, allowing patients to access their own charts online.
- Keep tabs on your symptoms: Without appropriate management, some symptoms can become worse and lead to other problems – like how coughing can interrupt your sleep, leaving you irritable and fatigued. That’s why it’s vital that you talk with your care team about any side effects or symptoms you’re experiencing.
- Team up: Family members and/or friends can also be a key resource in navigating the healthcare system. They can provide support, be a voice for you if you are struggling, ask questions that might be useful, and help you remember information provided by members of your healthcare team. Think about having someone go with you to appointments if you are concerned about remembering everything or finding your way through the healthcare system on your own.
It is often more difficult for people in rural and remote areas to access lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. If you live a long way from your cancer centre, you may need some extra help.
The first step is to talk to your cancer care team about the time and travel commitments for the treatment you have chosen. If your treatment requires regular visits (for example, radiation can require daily appointments at the cancer centre) then you may need to find a place to stay close to the cancer centre for a period of time. You may be able to plan for this type of stay through the staff at the cancer centre. Some cancer centres have hostels or partnerships with local hotels.
If you require fewer trips to the cancer centre, you might make travel arrangements with family and friends. You should also talk to your healthcare team to see if some parts of your treatment are available at a healthcare facility closer to your home. This would mean you would not have to make a lengthy trip to the cancer centre.
Many cancer centres have arrangements for parking passes that cancer patients can use when they come for an appointment. Be sure to ask the staff at the cancer centre about such arrangements.
When care is far from home
It is often more difficult for people in rural and remote areas to access lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. If you live a long way from your cancer centre, you may need some extra help.
The first step is to talk to your cancer care team about the time and travel commitments for the treatment you have chosen. If your treatment requires regular visits (for example, radiation can require daily appointments at the cancer centre) then you may need to find a place to stay close to the cancer centre for a period of time. You may be able to plan for this type of stay through the staff at the cancer centre. Some cancer centres have hostels or partnerships with local hotels.
If you require fewer trips to the cancer centre, you might make travel arrangements with family and friends. You should also talk to your healthcare team to see if some parts of your treatment are available at a healthcare facility closer to your home. This would mean you would not have to make a lengthy trip to the cancer centre.
Many cancer centres have arrangements for parking passes that cancer patients can use when they come for an appointment. Be sure to ask the staff at the cancer centre about such arrangements.
These symptoms are not unique to lung cancer, but it’s important to get checked out if you experience them. Some could be signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or other medical conditions.
Navigation Supports
Navigation supports are services and resources designed to assist individuals through their cancer journey. There are supports available in hospitals as well as in the community.
Supports Available in Hospitals
Many hospitals have patient navigators specifically for cancer patients. Patient navigators are professionals who are trained to help guide you through the health-care system. They are responsible for managing your treatment plan and helping you and your family navigate the treatment process. They may also connect you with resources and support services.
Many times, patient navigation centres can act as the first point of contact for questions about treatment and supports. Patient navigators provide patients with a sense of continuity of care and a consistent presence throughout their course of treatment.
Hospitals also have social workers available as part of your cancer care team. Social workers offer supportive counselling to help patients process their feelings about diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life.
Supports Available in the Community
There are many community support programs available for people living with lung cancer.
The Lung Health Foundation offers virtual psychosocial supports for people impacted by lung cancer at no cost. We offer:
Peer-to-Peer Support
We offer opportunities for connections with volunteers, many of whom are patients and survivors of lung cancer. They are there to provide support and share their lived experiences one on one.
1:1 Support:
You can book an appointment with a lung cancer lead who can further assist with navigation and access to resources.
For more information please email us at patientsupport@lunghealth.ca or call us at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864).
Tools and Resources:
- Educational Webinars
Quarterly webinars with experts in a variety of specialty areas- like fitness, nutrition and finances. Recordings available on the Lung Health Foundation YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@LungHealthFoundation
- Downloadable Resources
Other organizations offering support:
- Canadian Cancer Society - https://cancer.ca/
- Wellspring - https://wellspring.ca/
- Lung Cancer Canada - https://www.lungcancercanada.ca/
- Inspire Health - https://inspirehealth.ca/
For more information please email us at patientsupport@lunghealth.ca or call us at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864).
Diagnosis and Staging
Being diagnosed with lung cancer is often life-changing, and emotional distress is common. Understanding the steps and procedures can help you feel more in control, prepare you to advocate for yourself during your treatment.
Treatment
Your treatment team will consider a number of factors when choosing treatments that will fight your cancer most effectively. They will consider your overall health, age, and personal situation.
Living with Lung Cancer
The questions we list here are the top coping questions reported by people with lung cancer. Our answers provide some basic information, but we encourage you to discuss any concerns or questions with your oncologist and other members of your cancer care team.
