This animated video empowers people diagnosed with bladder cancer to take an active role in their care by learning about their disease, exploring treatment options, and collaborating with their health care team. The video also provides key questions to ask, so patients can feel informed and confident when making care decisions.
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Transcript
When facing a bladder cancer diagnosis, collaborating with your healthcare team and participating in your care may improve outcomes.
The first step in taking an active role in your care is to learn about your disease and the treatment options available. This can help you to feel confident and well-informed as you make decisions about your care.
Next, seek a specialist who has experience treating many people with bladder cancer.
And, most importantly, speak up and ask questions – advocating for yourself is essential to getting the best care. To help guide you, here are some key questions to consider following a diagnosis:
- What type and stage of bladder cancer do I have, and has it spread?
- What are the treatment options for my specific diagnosis, and is bladder-sparing treatment an option?
- Will I need surgery, and if so, what does that entail?
- Are there clinical trials that may be right for me?
- What tests will I undergo before choosing a treatment approach?
- Will I need biomarker testing?
- How soon should I start treatment, and how long will it last?
- How is treatment being administered?
- How will treatment affect my bladder function and daily life?
- What are the side effects of these treatments? Are there any long-term side effects?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- And, are there dietary or lifestyle changes I should consider?
Don’t forget the key pillars to collaborating with your care team:
- Prepare for appointments by writing down your questions in advance.
- If you are able, seek a second opinion to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- And, ask a care partner to join you at appointments to take notes and ask follow-up questions.
As always, remember that you have a voice in your care. You are your own best advocate.
To learn more about bladder cancer and to access tools for self-advocacy, visit powerfulpatients.org/bladder-cancer.