After a cancer diagnosis, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your condition and individual needs.
Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options can help you feel more confident when making decisions about your care. Remember that you do not have to make these decisions alone—your healthcare team is there to guide you every step of the way.
Understanding your diagnosis
No two cancer diagnoses are exactly the same. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of cancer you have
- The stage of the cancer
- Where the cancer is located
- Your overall health
- Your personal preferences and treatment goals
If there is anything you do not understand about your diagnosis, ask your healthcare team to explain it in a different way. It is important that you feel comfortable asking questions and making informed decisions about your care.
Your cancer care team
Cancer care often involves a team of healthcare professionals who work together to support different aspects of your treatment and wellbeing.
Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, your care team may include:
- Doctors
Different doctors play different roles in your care.- Medical oncologists manage cancer treatment using medicines such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
- Surgeons perform operations to diagnose or remove cancer.
- Radiation oncologists specialise in treating cancer using radiation therapy.
- Nurses
Nurses coordinate your care, administer treatment, monitor side effects and provide education and support throughout your treatment journey. - Dietitians
Dietitians provide personalised nutrition advice to help you maintain your strength, manage treatment-related side effects and meet your nutritional needs. - Medical Social Workers
Medical Social Workers provide emotional support, help you access community resources and can advise on financial assistance schemes where appropriate. - Rehabilitation Specialists
Rehabilitation professionals help you maintain or regain your physical function and independence during and after treatment. They include:- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Palliative Care Team
Palliative care specialists help manage symptoms such as pain, breathlessness and fatigue while improving comfort and quality of life. Palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness and is not limited to end-of-life care. - Spiritual Care Professionals
For those who wish to receive spiritual support, spiritual care professionals provide a safe space to explore questions of meaning, hope and purpose, regardless of your beliefs or background.
Common cancer treatment options
Your treatment plan may involve one treatment or a combination of treatments.
- Surgery: Surgery may be used to diagnose cancer, remove a tumour or reduce the risk of cancer developing or returning.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Depending on your treatment plan, chemotherapy may be given through a drip, injection or tablets.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy treats a specific area of the body.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses medicines that attack specific characteristics of cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps your body’s own immune system recognise and fight cancer cells.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplants may be recommended for certain blood cancers and involve replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Other treatments: Depending on your diagnosis, other treatments such as laser therapy, photodynamic therapy or blood product transfusions may also form part of your treatment plan. Your healthcare team will explain whether these are appropriate for your individual condition.
Preparing for your appointments
Medical appointments are an opportunity to better understand your diagnosis and treatment.
Before your appointment, you may find it helpful to:
- Write down your questions.
- Bring a notebook or digital device to record important information.
- Ask a trusted family member or friend to accompany you.
- Keep a list of your medications and symptoms.
If you require language support, let the clinic know in advance so that interpreter services can be arranged where available.
During your appointment
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let your healthcare team know if something is unclear.
Some questions you may wish to ask include:
- What treatment do you recommend, and why?
- What are the possible benefits and risks?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How will treatment affect my daily life?
- Will I be able to continue working or carrying out my usual activities?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make during treatment?
- When should I contact the hospital or clinic?
Take notes during your appointment, or ask your companion to help. Having a written record can make it easier to remember important information later.
After your appointment
It is normal to think of new questions after you leave the clinic.
If you need clarification, contact your healthcare team. Nurses and other members of your care team may also be able to answer many of your questions or direct you to the appropriate person.
You can also continue learning about your condition through reliable sources recommended by your healthcare team.
Continue reading
Every cancer journey is different. Depending on you or your loved one’s needs, you may find these articles helpful:
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Learn practical ways to manage common treatment-related symptoms.
Working During Cancer
Learn about balancing treatment, employment and your workplace rights.
We're here to support you
Understanding your diagnosis is just one part of your care. Singapore Cancer Society offers programmes and services to support you throughout treatment and recovery.
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