A cancer diagnosis can feel isolating. You and your family may have many difficult questions and a wide range of emotions. An empathetic, expert health system becomes your trusted partner in healing.
Remember, you are not alone on this path. The TriHealth Cancer & Blood Institute empowers patients with answers, offering guidance on an uncertain journey to treat their cancer and heal their human spirit. We’ll guide you through personalized treatment plans that consider both your cancer and your overall well-being, addressing side effects and emotional concerns. The best doctors will address your emotional health, explain your condition clearly, respect your decisions and connect you with support systems to empower you on your healing journey.
TriHealth is here to answer all of your questions related to your cancer journey. A few are below and we are ready to continue the conversation as your trusted partner.
The truth is, in most cases, there is no clear or simple answer to why one person develops cancer and another doesn’t.
Most cancers result from genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors and random changes in cells. Even healthy people can develop cancer. While specific lifestyle choices, like smoking or excessive sun exposure, can increase the risk of cancer, many people who develop cancer have no clear risk factors.
Sometimes, genetic changes simply happen by chance. It’s important to understand that you didn’t do anything to cause or deserve your cancer. While it’s common to search for meaning or reasons, focus instead on what you can control: your treatment, health and support system. Making healthy choices, like eating well, staying active and following your treatment plan, can make a positive difference.
At TriHealth, we’re here to support you through this challenging time. If you’re struggling with your diagnosis, consider talking to a TriHealth counselor or joining a support group. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
A cancer diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions, from fear and anger to sadness and uncertainty. Coping with your diagnosis effectively involves using healthy strategies and seeking support. People cope in different ways. Some rely on their faith to sustain them, while others seek help from friends and family. The practices used to manage your overall health, like stable nutrition, sleep and exercise, will help you through your cancer journey. The techniques that have helped you cope in the past will likely help you cope in the present. Focus on positive coping skills and connecting with professional resources to maintain and strengthen your resilience. TriHealth offers free mental health counseling for our patients with cancer, as well as community resources and support groups.
Try these coping strategies as you travel your cancer care journey.
Sharing your diagnosis can be difficult. You might worry about how friends and family will respond. You might not want to burden them. Carefully choose who to tell, how and when. You might find it helpful to have your doctor share the news with your family or ask a trusted friend or family member to help. Pick a comfortable way of communicating, whether in person, over the phone or even in writing. Remember, you have control over how much information you share.
Tips for telling family members about your cancer diagnosis:
Once they know your situation, your friends and family will likely want to help, but they may not know how. It’s okay to accept their support and suggest specific ways they can assist, such as preparing meals, doing household chores or bringing you to your appointments. Asking for help is a sign of strength and can make your journey easier. You have people who care about you and want to help. Let them.
Allowing those in your life to help you can help them accept with your diagnosis. It offers empowerment. They will feel like they are contributing to your recovery.
Ways family and friends can help during your cancer treatment:
Remember, open communication is key. Express your needs and preferences for support, and be flexible, as your needs may change over time.
At TriHealth, we care for you as a whole person and encourage you to speak with your doctor about the services available to help. Your doctor is the best person to talk to about your specific situation. They can explain the factors that affect your recovery and help you understand what to expect. It’s important to stay hopeful and focus on your treatment plan, as many people live long and fulfilling lives after a cancer diagnosis.
You can also talk to a TriHealth counselor specializing in cancer care at no cost. Our social workers can help you find a support group to connect with others experiencing a similar situation.
Several options exist to receive support outside your family.
Specialized resources at TriHealth Cancer and Blood Institute:
Remember, it’s essential to reach out and use these resources. You don’t have to go through this alone.
The best doctors will focus on your overall well-being: finding a doctor who listens, explains your condition clearly and respects your decisions can empower you on your healing journey. Remember: you’re not alone on this path.
A cancer diagnosis can feel isolating, but a skilled oncologist becomes your trusted partner in healing. These doctors undergo extensive training, often specializing in surgery, radiation or medication-based cancer treatments. It’s important to seek an oncologist with experience in your cancer type who prioritizes clear communication and respects your choices. They’ll guide you through personalized treatment plans that consider both your cancer and your overall well-being, addressing side effects and your concerns throughout your journey. You should have a team behind you throughout this journey, and your oncologist should be one of your top supporters.
Choosing the right oncologist is vital to understanding your diagnosis, what comes next, and, ultimately, your healing. A good oncologist will guide you, walking with you every step and, providing knowledge, support, and hope.
Finding the right oncologist with experience in your specific cancer type and making sure you feel seen, heard and understood is critical.
Consider these factors when choosing an oncologist:
The best oncologists excel in identifying the most effective treatments and serving as your cheerleader, counselor and coach. A compassionate treatment team recognizes the importance of addressing the deeper needs of both you and your family members. Choosing a doctor who accepts and supports your treatment decisions without judgment is crucial. In this sense, patience and empathy are essential qualities to pursue in a cancer doctor. At TriHealth, our oncologists put these qualities into practice every day alongside their rich expertise to propel you along your path to healing.
It’s okay to meet with a few different oncologists before selecting the doctor for you. Second opinions can provide valuable insights and reassurance. The goal is to find an oncologist you trust and feel confident will give you the best care.
It’s normal to wonder about your future and chances of recovery. You need to know your chance for remission, and a good oncologist will focus on your specific situation and the outcomes associated with your treatment. Recovery depends on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer and how it responds to treatment. Doctors use statistics to estimate outcomes, but they base these estimates on groups of people, not individuals. Your situation is unique, and treatments work differently for everyone.
Here are some of the most common treatment options doctors may consider for a newly diagnosed patient:
The specific treatments your doctor recommends will depend on the type and stage of cancer and your overall health and preferences. Often, your doctor will use a combination of treatments. Clinical trials of new therapies may also be an option for you to consider. The goal of any treatment is to create an individualized plan with the best chance of curing your cancer or controlling its growth long-term.
You may experience several physical and emotional changes during cancer treatment. Cancer and its treatment can cause various side effects, which depend on the treatment type and your overall health. Here are some common side effects that you may experience during cancer treatment:
Managing Side Effects
Your health care team will help you manage these side effects with medications, lifestyle changes or supportive therapies, like counseling or physical therapy. Communicating any side effects you experience is essential so your care team can address them promptly. TriHealth nurses have helped countless patients through their cancer care journey and are ready to support you the whole way.
Chemotherapy (or chemo) is a medication-based cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Doctors give chemotherapy through an IV drip, pill or injection into your skin. The medicine will go into your bloodstream and attack the cancer cells in your body. You may experience many side effects caused by the chemotherapy attacking your cancer cells and your healthy cells. Your doctor will discuss any side effects to expect depending on your treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways:
Chemotherapy travels throughout the body to reach cancer cells almost anywhere. This system-wide process allows it to potentially kill cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original tumor site.
Will chemotherapy be painful?
In general, chemotherapy itself is not usually painful during administration. Doctors give most chemotherapy drugs through a vein, which typically isn’t painful once the IV is in place. However:
Your care team can help manage any pain or side effects you experience during treatment. Infusion nurses are ready to answer your questions about how to address side effects.
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses your immune system to fight cancer. It works by enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, helping it to identify cancer cells that it might otherwise overlook.
Types of immunotherapy include:
How immunotherapy differs from chemotherapy
Both treatments are important in fighting cancer, but they work differently. Chemotherapy directly attacks cancer cells, while immunotherapy empowers the immune system to do so.
Chemotherapy:
Immunotherapy:
Your health care team can help determine the best approach for your situation.
Because everyone responds to treatment differently and timing can vary, your doctor will provide milestones to help you know how your treatment is progressing. Your care team can watch for treatment progress via:
During follow-up visits, never hesitate to ask your doctor how they think the treatment is working.
Taking an active role in your cancer care can make a big difference in your treatment experience and outcomes. Here’s how you can participate effectively:
Remember, your health care team is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand something or express your needs as you go through treatment. Active participation in your care can improve outcomes and help you feel empowered during your cancer journey.
It’s completely natural to wonder if life will ever feel normal again after going through cancer treatment. Life after cancer is a journey. Your “normal” may look different than it did before your diagnosis, but many cancer survivors do find a new sense of normalcy over time. Everyone’s situation is a little different. Cancer is a life-changing experience: you should be flexible and give yourself some grace as you find your new normal. If you struggle to find this, talk with your treatment team, including the social worker. We can help you work toward feeling your best throughout your journey.
Whether it’s regaining your energy, adjusting to physical changes or shifting your outlook, we’re here to support you. You can still find joy, purpose and meaning in your life ahead.
Remember: many survivors of cancer do find that life feels normal again, even if it’s a “new normal.” Give yourself time to adjust, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Your experience is unique, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time as you navigate life after cancer.
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new treatments or procedures to see if they are safe and effective. Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. Take the time to gather all the information you need and discuss it with your health care team, family and trusted friends.
Key points to help you decide:
Pros of participating in a clinical trial
Cons of participating in a clinical trial
Factors to consider before participating in a clinical trial
Questions to ask your doctor before participating in a clinical trial
Getting a second opinion can be valuable in your cancer care journey. It can provide insights and reassurance, helping you feel more confident in your decisions. Here are a few pros and cons of a second opinion to consider:
Pros of getting a second opinion
Cons of getting a second opinion
When to consider a second opinion
How to get a second opinion
Making the most of your second opinion
When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, it’s natural to wonder about the risk for other family members.
Most cancers are not inherited. In fact, inherited genetic mutations only cause about 5 to 10% of all cancers. In most cases, a cancer diagnosis in one family member doesn’t necessarily increase the risk for others. However, some types of cancer can run in families due to shared genetic factors:
Even if you share a hereditary component, it doesn’t mean your family members will develop cancer. Shared hereditary components only increase your family’s risk compared to the general population. If you’re concerned about your family’s cancer risk, consider these steps:
Remember, while some cancers have a hereditary component, most do not. Discuss your concerns with a health care professional who can provide personalized advice based on your situation.
Most cancers are not inherited. In fact, inherited genetic mutations only cause about 5 to 10% of all cancers. Your cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily increase the risk for other family members. That said, genetic counseling can provide a personalized cancer screening plan based on your specific cancer risk. It can also clarify if you are at risk for the types of cancer common in your family.
A genetic counselor can help explain how your personal or family history of cancer may affect you. Genetic counseling offers opportunities to explore risk reduction strategies and other treatment options and identify other at-risk relatives who may benefit from genetic testing. Learn about our precision medicine and genetic services.
Am I eligible for cancer genetic counseling?
We recommend genetic counseling if you have a personal and family history of any of the following:
Make an appointment
To schedule an appointment to meet with a TriHealth genetic counselor, call 513 853 4363. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment.
Make a referral
Health care providers can place a referral in EPIC using “AMB REFERRAL TO GENETIC ONCOLOGY [REF1114]” or fax a referral form to our office to 513 852 8508.
Prepare for your genetic counseling appointment
To prepare for your appointment, consider gathering your medical and family history to discuss with your genetic counselor. If you are unable to collect this information, you can still meet with your counselor. Here are some examples of helpful information to bring to your appointment:
Your medical records:
Your family history:
What if genetic testing finds a cancer risk gene mutation? What options do I have for increased screening and prevention?
If you have a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by a gene mutation (such as a BRCA1/2 mutation or Lynch syndrome), we can see you in our Hereditary Multidisciplinary Clinic. During a visit, you will meet with multiple cancer specialists at one appointment to discuss your cancer risk based on the gene mutation, review risk-reducing recommendations and schedule necessary screenings.
Contact Information
Phone: 513 853 GENE (4363)
Fax: 513 852 8508
Email (for general questions): precisionmedicine@TriHealth.com