How to Choose the Right Skin Cancer Healthcare Team

More than a million people per year are diagnosed with one of the three types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. If you have been diagnosed with one of these, it is important to have right skin cancer healthcare team on your side, one that will choose the best treatment for you as well as attend to your emotional and psychological well-being.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Dermatologist or oncologist

Choose the Right Skin Cancer Healthcare Team

1. Find out from your dermatologist or oncologist whether you are at high risk for developing skin cancer. While excessive exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer, heredity and skin types, such as unusually fair skin, can also be factors.
2. Ask your healthcare team whether there are any clinical trials you can participate in. This is an excellent way to explore new and leading-edge treatments that may have a higher rate of success. Your team should make it a priority to keep up with the latest advancements.
3. Communicate consistently with your healthcare team, and ask frequent follow-up questions if you have any concerns. Always ask your team to explain terms or phrases that you do not understand. If your providers aren't willing to take the time to answer all your questions, find another team.

Explore Your Options

4. Read about the latest treatment options for skin cancer on the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society Web sites (see Resources below). Ask your doctor about any new programs that sound exciting to you, and see whether they are an option for you.
5. Consult with others who have undergone skin cancer treatment, and see what worked best for them, as well as what did not work at all. Share your findings with your healthcare team.
6. Do not be afraid to consider another healthcare team, or a second opinion, if your needs are not being met, or if you are uncomfortable with your treatment plan.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your rights as a consumer when it comes to treatment options, and your participation in choosing the right treatment options that fit your needs.
• Consistent use of sunscreen is your best protection against skin cancer.
• Being treated for any type of skin cancer, even if the prognosis is excellent, can be stressful. Ask your skin cancer healthcare team about any medications or counseling that can help you deal with emotional or psychological side-effects.