Q&A

What are the main questions received at the Cancer Consultation Support Center?

Here are some of the most common consultations we have received from patients and their families.

Q.1 I don't quite understand the teacher's explanation.

Let's work together to clarify any points you don't understand. Let's think together about what questions you should ask your doctor next time and how to bring them up.

Q.2 I think I might have cancer, but I'm too scared to go to the doctor.

Cancer is a disease that has a high chance of being cured if it is discovered early. Let's think together about any concerns you may have. Getting tested may help detect cancer early.

Q3: I would like to know if there are any other treatments available besides those recommended by my doctor.

A second opinion is when you ask a doctor other than your primary doctor for their opinion on your diagnosis or treatment. A second opinion allows you to get an opinion from another doctor based on a referral letter from your primary doctor and test results. We will inform you of how to get a second opinion at the doctor you wish to see.

Q4 I'm worried because my tumor markers are rising.

Fluctuations in tumor markers themselves do not indicate the extent of the tumor. Doctors do not rely solely on tumor markers, but make a comprehensive judgment based on multiple tests. Tumor marker values also vary depending on individual circumstances. Do not become overly concerned with tumor marker values, but be sure to confirm a comprehensive judgment from your doctor.

Q.5 I have trouble communicating with my doctor during outpatient consultations.

It can be difficult to talk fully in the examination room. However, it is important to confirm what you want to ask. When you visit the doctor, make a note of the questions you want to ask and bring them with you. If you are not confident, ask a family member or someone else to accompany you.

Q6: When I was diagnosed with cancer, my mind went blank. I have no one to talk to and I'm filled with anxiety.

You must be feeling very distressed. In our consultation support, we start by listening to your feelings. Talking may help you calm down a little. Once you have calmed down a little, we can think together about what to do next.

Q.7 I had regular checkups, but the condition recurred. Was the doctor's diagnosis wrong?

When treatment is not going well, it's easy to wonder, "Why did it get worse?" Even if your doctor provides standard treatment(*), recurrence may be unavoidable. This doesn't mean that anyone is to blame. Let's think together about future treatment and recovery.

(*) Standard treatment means the treatment that has been proven or is considered to be the most effective among currently available treatments.

Q.8 My doctor told me that there is no further treatment available. Are there any other options?

You may feel abandoned when you are told that "there is no more treatment available." There are cases where treatment cannot be continued depending on the condition of the cancer, the effectiveness of treatment, or your physical condition. Forcing yourself to continue treatment can actually make your condition worse. It is not that "there is nothing you can do," but rather that treatment can always be continued to relieve pain and other painful symptoms. Let's think together about the treatment that is right for you.

Q9 My doctor suddenly told me to leave the hospital. I can't leave the hospital in this situation.

We will listen to what you are worried about when you are discharged from the hospital and discuss it together. We will also introduce you to the nursing care insurance system so that you can spend your time at home with peace of mind.
We have staff who are in charge of home support to ensure that you can feel safe at home, so please feel free to contact us for more information.

Q.10 I would like to know more about my cancer. What should I do?

The Cancer Information Room at the Cancer Treatment Collaboration and Consultation Support Center has cancer-related books and computers available. Internet searches are also available, so anyone is welcome to use them. We will work with those who do not have or cannot use a computer to find the information they are looking for. We also have pamphlets and leaflets available for you to take with you, so please feel free to use them.

Q.11 The treatment costs are so high that I am thinking of stopping treatment.

We will work together to find a method that is suitable for each individual patient, such as whether there are any systems in place to reduce the burden of medical expenses.