Here’s a guide detailing what to expect during the early days of your diagnosis.
Learning you have colorectal cancer can be hard. You might feel many emotions, and you may have a lot of questions. Managing a new cancer diagnosis looks different for everyone. Remember that your health care team is meant to help, and there are various community and online resources too.
For people who have been recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer, here are a few things to keep in mind.
You have a health care team
Treating colorectal cancer requires a team, and its members are all here to help you. This care team will likely include these specialists:
- A gastroenterologist. This provider treats diseases of the digestive system.
- A surgical oncologist (oncologic surgeon). This doctor treats cancer by operating to remove tumors.
- A medical oncologist. This person treats cancer with medicines, such as chemotherapy.
- A radiation oncologist. This provider treats cancer using radiation.
Other health care professionals likely will be part of your team as well. They will answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each of the steps you’ll take before, during and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll also guide you in making treatment decisions and help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.
Your mental health matters, too
It can take time to accept a cancer diagnosis. It’s normal to feel afraid or angry. Coping with cancer can also be very stressful. The diagnosis may not feel real at first. To help you manage the emotional part of a cancer diagnosis, you can talk to a mental health provider – a counselor or therapist. You might also want to speak with friends, family or a spiritual leader.
Talk with your health care team about seeing a mental health professional. They can refer you to someone who can help. Your hospital or cancer center may also have a social worker or case manager on staff who can connect you with other resources.
Support groups can also be a good option. You can look for online or in-person groups or ask your health care team about local support groups.
Learn about your diagnosis and treatment options
Learning about your cancer and about the treatment choices you have can make you feel less afraid. Working with a team also helps you make the best choices for your treatment. To know more about your treatment options, you’ll likely need appointments with more than one type of doctor, and different tests ordered by different specialists.
Consider getting a second opinion
You may want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment plan. Your care team should understand that it’s normal to get a second opinion and support that decision. You might learn about a different option for treatment. Or a second opinion might confirm your care team’s recommendations as the best ones, and give you confidence that you’re choosing the right treatment.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
It’s normal to have questions about your cancer and its treatment. If you don’t understand something, ask. Getting answers can lower your stress level and fears. You might want to ask questions such as:
- What kind of cancer do I have? What stage is it?
- Do I need more tests?
- Why are you recommending this treatment?
- How soon do I need to start treatment? What happens if I don’t?
- How long will my treatment last?
- What should I do to get ready for treatment?
- What side effects are possible with this treatment?
- When will we know if the treatment is working?
Remember to take care of yourself
Coping with a new diagnosis is hard, and self-care can be a helpful tool. Try to engage in activities you enjoy, such as art, music, exercise or gardening. The activities you love can help bring you calm and joy during this time.
Expert care for this common cancer
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a national leader in patient care and research. Vanderbilt offers the region’s most complete range of oncology care, from advanced imaging to team-based treatment options to genetic cancer medicine and the latest in therapies being studied in clinical trials.
