How do I schedule an appointment at Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre?
You could either book an appointment online or Click on contact us & call on any of the mentioned numbers
What should I carry during a hospital visit?
Learn about the pre consultation process, time taken so that you can schedule accordingly. The first thing the oncologist will ask about is your medical history. When you get into the doctor’s office, it’s very easy to forget when things happened, so it’s helpful to write down your history to remember the timeline of events. Keep notes about your symptoms and what made you go to your doctor in the first place. What tests did your doctor order? Were you referred to additional specialists? Have you previously been treated for cancer?
In order to make it a thorough consultation, the oncologist you’re meeting with should have all your reports and other requested materials. This includes copies of scans, x-rays, MRIs, CTs, or other imaging tests that were done, and pathology slides and blocks if a biopsy was performed. It is always advisable to file them properly. Some hospitals have the practice of making their files. Please allow them to do so.It’s good to be upfront with your doctor and let him/her know about your other medical conditions, previous surgeries, other cancers and treatment, prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Don’t assume “it’s all there in the record.” Make a list and bring it with you. You may not realize it, but how well you’re handling your diabetes may impact on how well your chemotherapy works on your breast cancer or how well your radiation works on your prostate cancer.
- Bring a list of any drugs you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Be sure to include vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
- Organize copies of your information in a loose-leaf binder with pockets. It will become a handy reference kit. Include a written list of questions about your diagnosis and treatment options.
- Photo ID
- Insurance and Medicare cards, along with pre-certification and other documentation required by insurers
What should I not carry during a hospital visit?
Hospitals cannot be responsible for patients’ personal belongings. Generally, they recommend against bringing valuables. Specific things to leave off the packing list:
- Cell phones. In most cases, these are not permitted in patient care areas as they can interfere with heart monitors and other patient monitoring equipment
- Tobacco products, because smoking is prohibited in health care facilities
- Jewellery & high-end valuables
Without a referral of my local doctor, Can I seek an appointment with a specialist of Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre?
Yes, Most Definitely. Many times, Non-Oncology doctors fail to understand a complex disease of Cancer as they are not the experts in Oncology. It could either be misdiagnosed or diagnosed late at times without it being their fault. If you are going through any symptoms in line with the Cancer, you should immediately book your appointment with an Oncologist & get your doubts & fear cleared out.
Can cancer be completely cured?
If the patient is detected in early stages, the chances of cure are much higher than getting detected in later stages. But yes, Cancer is now Curable due to latest technologies & advancements in Medical Science. Although it purely depends on type of cancer, location of tumour, how much has it spread & how well patient responds to the treatment. Most importantly though, is providing the right treatment.
How can Genetic Counselling help?
The main intent for genetic counselling is to escalate the process of finding out disorders which are genetic in nature. Once one gets to know them, understanding them becomes easier. The sessions of counselling begin from this very point and are used to explain to the patient, the various management procedures for nullifying the disease. A genetic counselling session not only educates the patient of the origin of the disease but also explains the risk and the potential positive outcomes of all medical tests. The benefits of genetic counselling are:
- Individualized and comprehensive counselling from cancer genetics experts, including medical oncologists trained in cancer genetics, Practiced nurses and board-certified genetic counsellors and social workers.
- Potential for discovering an increased risk of cancer.
- Opportunity to learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing.
- Option to undergo genetic testing, if appropriate.
- Patients and their families can learn how to decrease their risk for developing cancer (screening or medical and surgical approaches).
Is Cancer Follow-up suggested by Cancer Specialists Important? If yes, then why?
Regular Follow-up suggested by your Oncologists needs to be taken seriously post treatment to monitor the patient’s progress or any cancer recurrence happening in the body.
If no one in my family has had Cancer, am I yet at risk of Cancer?
Yes. Based on the most recent data, about 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Most cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as Chemicals, tobacco smoke and radiation. Other factors, such as what kind of food you eat, how much you eat, and whether you exercise, may also influence your risk of developing cancer.
Are Herbal products effective in Curing Cancer?
No. Although some studies suggest that alternative or complementary therapies, including some herbs, may help patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, no herbal products have been shown to be effective for treating cancer. In fact, some herbal products may be harmful when taken during chemotherapy or radiation therapy because they may interfere with how these treatments work. Cancer patients should talk with their doctor about any complementary and alternative medicine products—including vitamins and herbal supplements—they may be using.
