Cancer Treatment Options: Making a Decision
As you make a treatment decision, you want to be confident in your treatment plan. There are several things to consider in the coming weeks, and these resources should help.
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Cancer Type
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Bladder Cancer Information
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkA urologist may suggest the removal of the bladder in some bladder cancer cases. Learn more about the 2 types of bladder removal surgery and urinary reconstruction options available if the bladder is removed.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkCombined-Modality Therapy (CMT) is a bladder-preserving treatment option for bladder cancer patients who are unable to have surgery to remove the bladder. Learn how CMT works and the eligibility requirements.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkTransurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) is a surgery usually performed as an outpatient procedure for bladder cancer patients. Explore how TURBT works, and talk to your doctor to see if it’s an appropriate option for you.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyReview questions about bladder cancer to discuss with your doctor at the time of diagnosis as well as before and after your treatment.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyTreatment decisions for bladder cancer are usually based on the stage of the cancer. Find out how tumors of different stages may be treated.
More on this topic
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Author: Lucy MaherDeath rates from cancer are declining, in part due to treatment advances, including the use of precision medicine. These therapies are tailored to the individual patient and based on a genetic understanding of the type of cancer being attacked. This article discusses precision medicine and the current and future treatments that may change the course of cancer treatment.
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Author: Sarah HandzelIf you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may wonder if you should seek a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment options. Second opinions may confirm your diagnosis and provide invaluable information about your cancer and where it’s located in your body.
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Source: CancerCareA recent survey revealed that people with cancer wanted more information about how their treatment would impact their work, finances, or need for care. Read about how you can partner with your healthcare team to make sure you get this information before making a decision.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunityTo help you understand your care, you may want to ask your doctor or your oncology nurse to develop a written cancer treatment plan.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunitySometimes it is hard to know what questions to ask the doctor. One proven strategy for getting the most out of your visit is to be as prepared as possible.
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Additional Links
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkExplore a video series that profiles 8 bladder cancer survivors giving voice to their choice to let others know about living well with a urinary diversion, a surgical procedure that creates a new way to pass urine after bladder removal.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkWatch a series of videos about upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs), a cancer that happens in the upper part of the urinary tract. Topics include information about UTUC treatment options, clinical trials, and FAQs.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkLearn about palliative care in bladder cancer through a series of videos that cover what palliative care is, current research in palliative care, and FAQs.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkPalliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. Learn more about palliative care for patients with bladder cancer.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkLearn about life after bladder removal in a series of videos for bladder cancer patients that discuss how you can select a urinary diversion that’s the best option for you.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkWatch videos about different chemotherapy options in bladder cancer that discuss clinical decision-making and appropriate candidates for chemotherapy, side effects, and chemoradiotherapy.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkListen to experts discuss treatment options for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which is considered early-stage disease. Some topics include looking at the type of tumor and potential treatments, including new developments in NMIBC.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkWatch videos to learn more about chemotherapy for bladder cancer including clinical trials and side effects.
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Source: Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkReview important topics about bladder cancer, including clinical trials, sexuality after bladder cancer, biomarkers, personalized medicine and immunotherapy, eating healthy with bladder cancer, and more.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunityBiosimilars are being used more often in cancer treatment. Learn more about biosimilars and if they could be right for you.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyRead about the different types of medications that can be infused directly into the bladder, when each is used, and the benefits and side effects.
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Source: National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkA step-by-step guide from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® to help you talk to your physicians about the best treatment options.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyImmunotherapy can help a person’s own immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. Review the different types of immunotherapy used to treat bladder cancer
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Source: American Cancer SocietyFind out about radiation therapy for bladder cancer, when it's used, how it's given, and its potential side effects.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyLearn about the common chemotherapy drugs and combinations that are used, as well as how to manage their side effects.
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Source: American Cancer SocietyUnderstand the common surgeries performed for bladder cancer, the potential side effects of each, and what you should discuss with your doctor before having surgery.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteFind information about approved drugs for bladder cancer (including brand-name and generic), as well as a collection of links to information about each drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunityThe Cancer Support Community has a decision support counseling program called Open to Options® that can help you prepare for an appointment in which you will be making a treatment decision.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunityDownload a guide to help you understand more about cancer treatments, important questions for your doctor, and tips about managing common side effects.
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Source: Cancer Support CommunityThis downloadable brochure focuses on simplifying the process of making decisions about cancer treatment.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteLearn more from the NCI about targeted cancer therapies, including the different types of targeted therapies, how they work, side effects, drawbacks, and more.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteIf you know the name of your potential cancer treatment, use this list of treatments from the NCI to get more information.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteLearn more from the NCI about cancer immunotherapies, including the different types of immunotherapies, how they work, side effects, and more.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteLearn more from the NCI about chemotherapy, including how chemotherapy works, how it is used with other cancer therapies, side effects, and more.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteLearn more from the NCI about cancer radiation therapy, including the different types of radiation therapy, side effects, how it works, and more.
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Source: National Cancer InstituteThe types of cancer treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Learn more from the NCI.
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