[AlaskaAngel]

Good question. I started this quasi-poll because I think some here who have access to very good medical providers more or less assume most of us do, and I wanted to see whether the problem is related to whether a person is seen at a major cancer center versus other facility. For some the crucial problem is inadequate presentation of information about diagnosis and treatment, and for some it is more in terms of gaining the ability for simply processing the diagnosis itself as a preliminary step. Probably those who get a thorough explanation about treatment options would be thinking more about the need for pschological support, since their cancer center did provide them with the discussions about treatment itself.

When it comes to the psychological support, some need it very early to be able to handle listening to the discussions about treatment options. Others may be more comfortable focusing on the treatment options right away. Some have more support from a circle of people they already know, and some don't. Cancer centers can't do it all.

A number of very educated and sophisticated people at this site clearly recognize the problem and support the need for creating something that is targeted toward helping the newly diagnosed as well as something for the previously diagnosed but newly diagnosed with mets members. Some excellent ideas have been proposed, including leaving flyers for this website at cancer treatment facilities, putting together something that stays current for newbies, etc. Those are all things that can help. But there still are going to be a lot of people who aren't going to get the basics without more help.

If we look at the simple short list of items mentioned as criteria for this quasi-poll, would it be reasonable for us to try to encourage the creation of some kind of minimum standard among ALL cancer treatment facilities to provide them? Or are the suggested criteria so extensive that the average health care provider can't find the means to provide them, and the only places where they would likely be standard would be at high-end health care facilities, where both psychological and instructional support are available?

1. At least 1 hour of instruction about bc diagnosis with time for Q/A per visit
2. More than 1 visit prior to deciding about treatment
3. Directions for finding basic resources (to key books, online sites, videos/DVDs)
4. Direction provided to patient support groups
5. Follow up contact made from provider to patient to see if more counseling is wanted

CLTann has a good point; how realistic is it that very many doctors would have or make the time for basic counseling? But the costs for cancer treatment are major, and the providers are making a lot of money from them. In looking at those 5 items listed above, considering how much money is made from each cancer patient, is that list so much to ask?

Maybe it doesn't take a doctor's time to do some of these tasks. Maybe as part of having standards it would help to identify less expensive providers to handle some of the load. Maybe technology could help too; I would have appreciated even telephone access to some help.

When responding to the poll, it would be best if you could say whether both kinds of support are truly available to you at your medical facility or only one type or neither type, and whether you get your care at a major cancer center or not.

Thanks for raising the question,

AlaskaAngel