ABN 16 091 051 856
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. I have
tried to learn about cancer but I'm not confident I understand
everything. Also, some of the issues I'm interested in are only
covered superficially by patient literature or on the internet and
I need more detail. Can you help?
Yes, 'Understanding Cancer' is especially aimed at people like you
who want to be as well informed as possible. By providing my
scientific expertise, I can help you to go beyond the material
written for a lay audience and make sure you acquire a good grasp
of the facts.
2. I have
been diagnosed with cancer-I'm confused about what my doctor has
told me about my condition and its treatment - can you make sense
of this for me?
Remember that it's a common experience not to understand everything
being communicated to you. This isn't made easier by the fact that
most doctors just don't have the time to make sure that you are
fully informed.
This is where 'Understanding Cancer' should be useful to you,
though firstly you should do some of your own reading eg by
accessing the links on my Cancer Web Resources page
here. We aim to
achieve maximum clarity for you, with the added benefit that you
will be more able to define better questions to ask your
doctor.
3. Exactly
what is cancer, why have I got it, is my cancer different to other
cancers and can I be cured?
We have learnt a
great deal about the science of cancer in the last 20 years and I
can help you get the best answers to questions like these. On the
other hand, there are still many unknowns in cancer and it is
important that you become aware of these limitations to our
knowledge.
4. I can't
find the answers to my questions on a specific topic, for example
about a rare cancer-can 'Understanding Cancer' help
me?While I don't
claim to have immediate expertise on every aspect of the vast
subject area of cancer, my training and familiarity with the field
means I can efficiently access the scientific knowledge that is
relevant to you. This flexibility means I can adjust the service to
your individual needs and help you make sense of the available
information.
5. Can you give
me an opinion on the suitability of my treatment; or advise me
about different treatment options; or help me find out about new
therapies?
Firstly, it is
important for you to know that I am not able to recommend any
particular treatment or to interfere in any way with the advice
that your doctor has given you. Secondly, it is highly likely if
you are being treated in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia that you
are being given the very best and most up-to-date treatment.
However, I can help if you would like to learn more about how your
current treatment works, or if you want a better understanding of
your treatment options so that you can be more confident about any
choices you have to make.
We can also explore the newest cancer therapies that are being
researched or are in clinical trials around the world. You may then
decide it is appropriate to ask your doctor about these.
6.
I am
interested in using alternative/complementary medicine to treat
cancer- can you give me any information?
Some cancer patients find that alternative therapies have value in
contributing to their quality of life and I can help you evaluate
the scientific evidence for these. However, despite fraudulent
claims, it is very important to note that there is no good
scientific evidence that alternative therapies are of any value in
the actual treatment of cancer or can alter the course of the
disease.
7. Can you give me support and advice about treatment side-effects,
coping with cancer or other clinical issues?
I'm sorry but this isn't the purpose of 'Understanding
Cancer'-please access support services such as those provided by
the NSW Cancer
Council or the
links here.
8.
Can I get your 'Understanding Cancer' service outside of
Sydney?
Because 'Understanding
Cancer' requires face-to face
meetings, the service is currently unavailable outside
Sydney.
Disclaimer:
Please note that
the purpose of this service is to enhance your knowledge and
understanding of cancer. Its purpose is NOT to provide medical
advice or opinion, nor to interfere in your relationship with your
medical professionals, but rather to facilitate and complement this
interaction where possible. The information provided through this
web site is not a substitute for professional care and should not
be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. If you have, or
suspect you may have, a health problem you should consult your
doctor.