Hearing you have cancer can be hard for you and your family. You usually have to make important decisions about treatment in a short space of time. Also, hearing unfamiliar words and medical statistics can be confusing. Our staff at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre is here to reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about cancer treatment options. What will help you decide?
Deciding on treatment
There are various ways to treat cancer. Your treatment type will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Our Oncology team will find out the following information to help you decide on treatment:
- the type of cancer you have
- where the cancer is in your body
- the size of your cancer and how fast growing it is
- whether the cancer has spread to other parts of your body
- other health conditions you may have
Types of treatment
Most people who are diagnosed with cancer in West Africa need a combination of cancer treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Other treatments include Brachytherapy, Immunotherapy and Hormone Therapy. The main types of cancer treatment include:
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Surgery
Many cancer patients first have surgery to remove all or part of their tumors. Surgery works well for solid tumors contained in one part of the body.
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Radiation therapy
Radiation can be done before or after surgery, and together with chemotherapy treatment. The two types of radiation therapy are External Beam Radiation and Brachytherapy
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Chemotherapy
This uses one type or combination of medications to treat cancer to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Treatment duration
A course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy can take several days or even weeks – and cancer cells will continue to die even after the cancer treatment is completed.
Understanding treatment options
Our most important role at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre is to help you understand your cancer treatment options. So, we first listen to you and then, gather all the medical information we need to review your case uniquely. Our experienced Oncologists will always tell you and your caregivers the truth about your cancer diagnosis, even though it may be hard to hear. They will discuss the risks and benefits associated with types of cancer treatment options. In addition, the clinical team will explain how each treatment option may impact your quality of life
Knowing treatment impact
After initial consultations, our expert Oncologists will sit with you and your medical care providers to discuss recommended treatments. You will discuss how treatment will be given, the possible side-effects and how this may affect day-to-day living – including nutrition needs. Also, our oncologist will explain what will happen if you refuse treatment or if treatment is delayed.
Treatment costs
Our case management team will work with you to see that you know and understand what different cancer treatment options are available to you. They will explain how much each option will cost, and discuss all financial considerations with you. Together we help you, your caregivers and sponsors choose the option that meets your needs. Find out more about how treatment is priced.