No matter where your patients are in their cancer journey, the step they take now may be their first to become more informed and feel more empowered to adjust to a cancer diagnosis. Ideally, they are dealing with cancer with the support of many friends, loved ones and compassionate caregivers. Too often, people experience cancer in isolation, without financial or emotional support and with few resources to tap into. No matter what their circumstances, they should always keep in mind that they can always do something – even if that something just gets them through the next hour of the day. No matter where they are along the path of survivorship, having good skills to negotiate and communicate their needs are some of their best weapons to use against cancer that can be found in Self-Advocacy: A Cancer Survivor's Handbook.

Everyone should be advocates for themselves and their care. As a health care professional, you can inform and empower patients and survivors to take charge of their care.

Sections in this publication include:

Becoming a Self-Advocate »

Defining Terms »

Self-Advocacy Skills »

Assuring Quality Cancer Care »

Before and During Diagnosis »

During and After Treatment »

Long-Term and Late Effects »

Symptom Management »

End of Life »