Treatment

After diagnosis and initial evaluation, the doctor considers treatment options that fit each woman's needs and discusses these options with her. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the tumor, the stage of the disease, whether female hormones affect tumor growth, and tumor grade. (The tumor grade tells how closely the cancer resembles normal cells and suggests how fast the cancer is likely to grow. Low-grade cancers are likely to grow and spread more slowly than high-grade cancers.) Other factors, including the woman's age and general health, are also considered when planning treatment. Women with uterine cancer may be treated by a team of specialists that may include a gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer of the female reproductive tract), and a radiation oncologist.

Getting a Second Opinion

Before starting treatment, a woman may want a second specialist to confirm the diagnosis and review her treatment options. It may take a week or two to arrange for another opinion, but a short delay will not reduce the chance that treatment will be successful. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; many others cover a second opinion if the patient requests it. There are a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion:

The woman's doctor may be able to suggest specialists to consult.

The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about treatment facilities, including cancer centers and other programs supported by the National Cancer Institute.

A woman can get the names of doctors from her local medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school.

The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists lists doctors' names along with their specialty and their background. This resource is in most public libraries.

Preparing for Treatment

Many people with cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. When a woman learns she has uterine cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may make it difficult for her to think of everything she may want to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions. To help remember what the doctor says, a woman may take notes or ask whether she may use a tape recorder. Some patients find it helpful to have a family member or friend with them when talking to the doctor to participate in the discussion, take notes, or just listen.

These are some questions a woman may want to ask the doctor:

• What kind of uterine cancer do I have?

• Is there any evidence the cancer has spread? What is the stage of the disease?

• What is the tumor grade?

• What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?

• What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?

• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

• What is the treatment likely to cost?

• How will treatment affect my normal activities?

• How often should I have a checkup?

• Would a treatment study be appropriate for me?

Women do not need to ask all their questions or understand all the answers at once. They will have many chances to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more information.

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