king charles diagnosed with cancer: essential steps and guidance after a cancer diagnosis
if you have recently had your life changed with a cancer diagnosis, knowing the next steps to take in your journey will make it that much easier to navigate.
8 minute read
king charles has postponed his public duties after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
getty images
on february 5, news broke that king charles was diagnosed with cancer. while the specific type of cancer has not been revealed, his diagnosis brings the conversation surrounding the deadly disease to the forefront of minds everywhere.
it’s not as though cancer is a quiet topic, as it directly affects close to 20 million people (and their families) every single year. but when someone as high profile as king charles is diagnosed, it dominates the news cycle and forces people to pay closer attention to the widespread disease.
many people deal with this reality on a daily basis. if you have recently had your life changed with a cancer diagnosis, knowing the next steps to take in your journey will make it that much easier to navigate.
understanding your diagnosis
cancer is a blanket term used to describe a plethora of diseases that all fall under its umbrella. it can develop anywhere in the body, from the brain to the feet and everything in between. with more than 100 types of cancer and no two acting exactly the same, understanding your unique case is vital to being an active participant in your treatment. to fully understand your specific cancer diagnosis, you can ask your healthcare provider about:
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- the type of cancer you have
- what type of tests you will need before or during treatment
- what your chances of survival are and the odds surrounding cases similar to yours
- what treatments are available to you
- what type of doctors you will need to see, and if they are going to help you connect with the right individuals for your care
- the stage of your cancer
the stage of your cancer at diagnosis is one of the most critical factors that go into prognosis or the course your cancer will take. there are a few different types of staging, with tnm being the most used in canada for solid tumour cancers:
- the t, or tumour stage, is used to diagnose cancers with solid tumours. it is given a number of 1-4, depending on size. one is the smallest, while four would be the largest. the larger the tumour, the more likely it is to grow into organs or nearby tissues.
- the n, or lymph node stage, assesses cancer cases in which the cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes. it’s given a number from 0 to 3, with 0 meaning it hasn’t spread at all. numbers 1-3 assigned to the n stage determine how many lymph nodes have cancerous cells and their size and location.
- the m stage, the most advanced, stands for metastatic. this stage describes cancer that has spread through the body using the blood or lymphatic system.
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there is another staging system, graded from numbers 0 to 4, used to diagnose some solid cancers as well as cancers of the blood and immune system. those stages include:
- stage 0: precancerous cells are detected.
- stage 1: a small, localized tumour is found. it remains in one place, and cancer cells have not yet spread.
- stage 2 & 3: a larger tumour is found and begins to grow into nearby tissues. the cancer has begun to spread.
- stage 4: cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to distant areas of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
once you and your healthcare provider have determined the stage and they have answered all your questions, your journey begins.
exploring treatment options
cancer treatment continues to be a primary subject of study for medical scientists aiming to improve the overall impact cancer has on the world, as well as those individually working to overcome it. as of writing, several common types of treatments are used for the majority—if not all types—of cancers. they include:
- surgery: surgery is used to remove tumours and cancerous tissue.
- chemotherapy: chemotherapy, typically given intravenously but can also be given orally, is a type of drug that kills cancer cells. this treatment may be used on its own for certain cancers, but in combination with radiation for others.
- radiation: radiation is a form of therapy that kills cancer cells by destroying their dna so they cannot continue to grow out of control within the body. it can be used alone or with other therapies, such as chemotherapy.
- hormone therapy: some cancer cells need certain hormones to grow, so this treatment works by introducing or removing hormones to stop this process.
- immunotherapy: the immune system is the first line of defence against cancer, and this type of therapy strengthens the body’s immunity to do its job.
- targeted therapy: targeted therapy is a type of drug that stops or slows the growth of cancer cells by destroying them by destroying specific molecules in the cells that help them spread and grow.
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many factors will go into what type of treatment works best for you, such as how advanced the cancer is, as well as what your healthcare team thinks will be the most effective. while you’re on your journey with a new cancer diagnosis, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do any treatment just because your doctor tells you to.
you can seek a second opinion. another cancer specialist can help determine whether all the appropriate tests have been performed and whether the recommended therapy is best for you.
managing symptoms and side effects
while cancer treatments continue to improve, all drugs and therapies come with the risk of side effects. the most common side effects associated with cancer treatment depend on the type. for example, surgery will come with the risk of infection, fatigue, and pain. generally, side effects of the various cancer treatments can include:
- anemia
- loss of appetite
- bruising or bleeding
- gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
- cognitive changes, such as delirium, fatigue, and memory or concentration issues
- swelling and lymphedema
- infections or neutropenia (loss of white blood cells used to fight infections)
- fertility issues or sexual health changes
- alopecia, or hair loss
- sleep disturbances
- bladder and urinary issues
- chronic pain
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these side effects can be managed in various ways. some steps you can take to help cope with the difficult effects of your cancer treatment include:
- washing your hands often to avoid infections
- wearing a cooling cap to prevent or minimize hair loss during chemotherapy
- using medications to address nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues
- maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as possible, including a whole foods diet, exercise as recommended by your healthcare provider, and getting proper sleep to address cognitive changes
- using other medications (pain relievers, whether over-the-counter or prescribed) or holistic health approaches (acupuncture, biofeedback, mediation) to manage pain
other side effects and ways to cope with them should be discussed with your care team. never be afraid to ask for all of your options and alternative options if you don’t feel comfortable with what they recommend. for example, if they want to prescribe opioids to address pain but you are aware of the addiction risk, advocating for yourself to be given something else is a great way to take control of your treatment and cope with side effects simultaneously.
some side effects require prompt medical attention, so if you experience any of the following during your cancer treatment, you should call your cancer care team as soon as possible or head to your nearest emergency department:
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- an allergic reaction or rash
- a fever higher than what your team said is normal to experience
- bleeding or unexplained bruising
- feeling both hot and shivery
- having difficulty breathing
these signs could all indicate a need for medical attention or an infection, which should be addressed as soon as possible.
finding support and resources
cancer and its treatment can be physically strenuous on the body, but the experience can also be mentally taxing. to deal with the emotional side of your journey with cancer, finding the proper support and resources can help. there are several support groups, many dedicated to specific types of cancer, that can enable you to connect with others who are going through the same thing or provide you with tips on how to cope.
the canadian cancer society has several resources on its website aimed toward helping people find the right support depending on what they need, such as:
- support groups in your community
- services, such as finding transportation assistance or places to stay during treatment
- information services to help you learn more about your cancer and ways to cope with it
provincial sites, such as cancer care ontario or eastern health, can also help you find support in your area. it may be difficult at first to reach out to these organizations, but managing the emotional aspect of cancer is just as important as managing the physical side effects of treatment.
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living with cancer
being diagnosed with cancer is a highly personal experience, and living with the disease could be different for everyone who develops it. that said, there are a few strategies for living with cancer that can apply to almost everyone with the disease. they include:
- maintaining a positive outlook: it’s challenging to stay positive in the face of a cancer diagnosis, but finding ways to look toward the future with hope can be a great way to get through treatment. stay grateful for what you do have during this time, and it will allow you to continue to appreciate life, regardless of your diagnosis.
- making the proper adjustments: your daily life may change during cancer treatment. but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your routines and the things you love to do out the window. while you adjust to your treatment and its effects, focus on life-giving activities that allow you to enjoy your life. doing so will allow you to keep a positive perspective.
- trust yourself and your body: while listening to your care team is essential, it’s also vital to remain able to look inward for the big decisions. you know yourself best, and when you don’t agree with something, make sure to advocate for yourself. trusting yourself and listening to your body will allow you to remain independent when you feel out of control.
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being diagnosed with cancer can feel like you’ve just been hit by a mack truck. regardless of the odds, no one is ever ready to hear those words. but, with new advancements in treatments and better screening processes in the country, cancer isn’t always the same death sentence that it used to be. holding on to hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis and ensuring that you’re empowered with information and personal advocacy can make your journey with cancer that much easier to cope with.
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