Tips for Patients with Cancer

Patients may be a bit apprehensive about coming to the hospital for cancer diagnosis or treatment. It often helps to have a family member or friend accompany them. They can lend moral support, assist  in asking questions during the consultation, and help make decisions about  health care and treatment plan.

Following is a list of items patients may want to bring to their initial visit:

• Appointment information and materials they received in their orientation packet
• Health insurance information including their insurance card, special forms, referrals, and important phone numbers
• Contact information of where they will be staying, if they are traveling from out of town
• Any additional medical records not already sent prior to the visit
• A list of physicians including names, addresses, and telephone numbers
• A list of medications currently taking along with prescribed dosages
• A pen and notebook to take notes, store any new paperwork and/or educational materials collected during the visit, and to keep a list of questions to ask the physician
• Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, sewing, or other items to help pass the time.