Not all cancers are rare strange, unfamiliar names such as leukemia cells of hair. Brain tumors, cancer of the liver and ovaries are all considered rare cancers.
Cancer is considered a rare, if it is diagnosed in people under 15.1 million a year. This comes out of a total of about 40,000 cases annually in the United States. For example, ovarian cancer occurs in approximately 21 000 women each year, which means it is classified as rare.
Most of rare cancers in adults are grouped into a higher classification. For example, leukemia is a general classification of various types of rare cancers that occur in the blood.
The most common cancers such as lung, breast, prostate and colon attract much more attention and more funding of research that the rare forms of cancer. Of course, this makes sense because many more people living with cancer together.
However, the most common cancers can be caused by several different factors - one of which may have a genetic predisposition. Many rare forms of cancer can not be easily linked to environmental factors and others. Research on rare cancer, you may be able to help scientists unlock genetic codes that explain how humans have cancer.
As for the clinical management of patients with rare cancers
The problem with a rare form of cancer is to find a doctor familiar with its diagnosis and treatment. Because these cancers do not produce as much as the most common cancers, most physicians have no experience in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.
In order to receive treatment for a rare form of cancer, you may need to constantly ask their oncologist responses. You may have to learn to do the research yourself and even travel to see other doctors who specialize in an area of investigation similar to that of their cancer. Do not be surprised if the doctor seems to be contradictory. Because these cancers are rare and the search can be limited, the science behind the treatments can vary considerably.
Do not worry about offending your doctor by asking for a second opinion. Remember these cancers are rare, and most doctors have little experience in handling them. It's OK to ask for a second opinion. Some insurance companies may even require a second opinion on diagnosis of a rare cancer.
In search of a reference to the nearby "important" treatment center for cancer, as this will increase your chances of seeing a specialist who is familiar with the type of cancer. Major cancer centers treatment usually found in major cities. Generally, you can learn more about these centers through online searches.
Make copies of your newspaper with you and bring someone along to help you take notes on your conversations. You do not want to miss the important details! Ask someone you know who is skilled in Internet research to help you with your research studies online.
How to find support for patients with rare cancer
Many people diagnosed with a rare cancer often feel alone and alienated, because there are so few people who share their same state. It is difficult to find people who may be emotionally to these people. Most cancer patients find a kind of comfort in discussing their illness with others who have the same condition. Cancer patients rarely have trouble finding others with the same condition.
In these cases, cancer patients may find a sense of community through online resources such as support groups and forums or blogs cancer. Ask for help from someone who is skilled in Internet research to find these support groups and show you how you can interact with them online.
Rare tumors may actually be easier to manage, because they can be one of the molecular genetic defect is common to them. However, the challenge is to identify these rare tumors, the correct diagnosis of a rare cancer and then look for appropriate treatment. Since cancer is rare, it can be difficult to move quickly enough for these phases.
Consider a clinical trial
When cancer develops in spite of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, it may be time to consider other alternatives such as clinical trials. Cancer treatment must go through clinical trials before they are approved for use with the general population. You can choose to be a clinical trial of patients and to help promote cancer research for a cure. If you choose to become a patient clinical trial, you must sign a release for risk. Weigh the risks carefully!
Take control of insurance
Cancer patients often face few technical barriers. Learn about insurance issues when you visit your oncologist. Some insurance plans require prior approval before they will pay for treatment of a rare cancer. Without prior approval, you and your family can end up with a huge financial burden and the burden of care.
Keep accurate records of all interactions with your insurance company. Document the time, date, the representative (s) you mentioned and the results of the conversation. Requests for written approval and no communication as much as you can in writing rather than verbally. Make audio or video recordings of your conversations (ask permission first!) With representatives of insurance.
If you can not pay for treatment that may be of assistance programs that can help patients. These programs are often called "compassion" programs. Learn about them with your oncologist. Be persistent and firm and not give up!
No comments:
Post a Comment