The first visit to an oncologist is associated with stress, fear, and anxiety for most people. The emotions accompanying diagnosis and testing are intense, but it is possible to try to tame them. This can reduce feelings of chaos and helplessness, replacing them with a willingness to cooperate with doctors and fight for your health. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your first visit to an oncologist.

How to cope with stress before visiting an oncologist?

Talk to your loved ones or a psychologist about your fears related to your first visit to the oncologist. Sometimes, just getting your emotions out is enough to make you feel better. It is a good idea to take a loved one with you to your consultation with the oncologist. They will provide you with additional emotional support and help you write down the doctor's recommendations.

You can also connect with other cancer patients, for example through a cancer foundation, and talk to them about what a consultation with an oncologist looks like and what their tips are for preparing for the visit.

Check: how to choose a cancer foundation?

How to manage stress before visiting an oncologist? Proper preparation for an oncology appointment will allow you to tame the chaos of information and feel more confident before talking to a specialist. Gathering medical records, learning medical terminology and the course of a consultation with an oncologist, and finally writing down questions for the doctor will reduce your stress. Let's discuss each of these issues.

What is the first visit to an oncologist like?

You do not need a referral to visit an oncologist, either privately or through the National Health Fund (NFZ). The first consultation with an oncologist primarily involves taking the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. The oncologist may refer you for further diagnostics, recommend specialist consultations, order treatment at a specific center, or simply schedule a follow-up appointment if no cancer diagnosis.

What does the oncologist ask?

The medical interview is a very important part of an oncology visit. The doctor will ask you questions not only about your current health, but also about any illnesses and treatments you have undergone. It is a good idea to prepare for this conversation at home and think about your answers calmly. You can also write some of them down and read them to the doctor during the appointment. What questions can you expect from your oncologist? The doctor will ask you about:

• symptoms – their type and location, frequency and intensity, duration, whether anything alleviates or eliminates them, whether their severity changes over time and whether they are milder or more severe, whether they appeared suddenly or gradually,
• allergies, illnesses you are currently treating, 
• medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking (write down their names and dosages),
• past illnesses and procedures,
• family medical history, especially cancer
• physical activity,
• sleep,
• diet, stimulants,
• lifestyle and professional work.

What should you bring to your first visit to the oncologist?

• For your first visit to the oncologist , bring your ID with your PESEL number and your DILO card, if you have already received it. The consultation may be delayed for reasons beyond the doctor's control. It is a good idea to bring something to drink and a snack with you. 
• It is also very important to bring the necessary medical documentation. This includes test results, hospital discharge summaries, and medical history records. Organize the documentation so that it is easy to find a given document. Arrange test results chronologically. If there are files containing several pages, use a staple or paper clip to ensure that no pages are lost or misplaced in another part of the documentation.
• Take with you a notebook and something to write withto write down the doctor's instructions and the dates of tests/consultations. You can also ask the oncologist if they agree to record your conversation—some specialists give their patients such permission.
• Don't forget your glassesif you wear them. Do you have a hearing aid? Check if the batteries in the device need to be replaced.
• It is a good idea to bring a piece of paper with you to the appointment on which you can write down your questions for the oncologist. Even if you have a list of questions in your head, the stress of the visit may cause you to forget some of them. 

What questions should you ask your oncologist?

If you suspect cancer, ask your doctor about further procedures—diagnostics, consultations with specific specialists, the date of your next oncology appointment. Discuss medication use and possible interactions between them or their impact on planned tests. Bring up the topic of possible recommendations regarding physical activity, diet, and work.

If this is your first visit to an oncologist after a cancer diagnosis and you do not have any further tests scheduled, it is time to talk about treatment. Ask for information about your current health status—the type and stage of cancer, any health problems you may have. Ask about the various treatment options and their stages, including clinical trials and drug programs. Ask about the possible side effects of therapy. Ask about the prognosis. Ask about the impact of treatment on your life – your professional work, physical activity, any planned procedures or therapies related to other ailments/chronic diseases.

Remember that as a patient, you have the right to information, and your oncologist has a duty to provide it to you. If anything is unclear, don't be afraid to ask questions. This consultation is designed to help you understand your diagnosis and what to expect during treatment. 

What should you know before your first oncology appointment?

If this is your first visit to a particular clinic or hospital, check its location carefully – how to get there, parking spaces. Many people wonder whether to look up information about their illness on the Internet. It is true that learning the details about the diagnosis or the disease itself, as well as the basic medical terminology associated with it, can help you navigate the maze of information during your visit. However, this is not necessary, especially if it increases your stress and anxiety levels. If you decide to read medical articles, remember to use information from reliable sources – articles on cancer foundation websites, government health websites, or hospital websites are a good choice. 

Support in the fight against disease

An oncologist is a doctor who decides on further diagnosis of the patient and possible treatment options. Although in most cases oncological treatment is a multi-stage process and involves comprehensive care from specialists in various fields of medicine, it is the oncologist who coordinates the entire process. During an oncology consultation, you can also ask your oncologist about possible forms of support for cancer patients, including psychological support.

If you are struggling with cancer, you can take advantage of free assistance from an oncology foundation. This is a place where you will receive the necessary expert help, financial support (including assistance in setting up a fundraiser for treatment), and the opportunity to join a support group for patients and their families. One such place is our Cancer Fighters foundation. For years, we have been helping children and adults in their fight for health and life. You can join us at any stage of treatment! Contact us and become a ward of the foundation.