A cancer diagnosis has become a mainstay of preventive oncology. When a patient is diagnosed in the early stages, the chances of survival drastically improves. For many types of cancer, the patients’ outcome most determining factor is just that. Time of diagnosis, and secondary staging of the disease. Time only allows existing cancer to progress to a stage of the disease that is incurable( stage four). Recent developments in research have enabled us to do a much more efficient task on preventing cancer, by early diagnosis or stratifying ones at risk. For example, the detection of mutated genes such as BRCA has made an enormous opportunity for the physicians and researchers to translate the science to the clinic by providing tools to prevent the disease in the breast and ovarian cancer, but that said these tools or preventive measures are not simple. For example, colonoscopies and mammographies are not free of risk and not always available. Some other types of common but yet deadly types of cancers such as lung cancer still do not have a universally accepted and adopted preventive or screening tool, such as X-rays or scans.
Cancer Research and Life Foundation therefore supports following testing:
- Circulating DNA and tumor cells
- Genetic testing for patients with cancer and their relatives
- Tumor molecular profiling
- Genetic stratification and therapeutic interventions
- Preventive measures for patients in remission
- Preventive measures for normal individuals at risk
Cancer Research and Life foundation have made its mission to provide very efficient tools of screening and detecting cancer of all types early on. This task has been supported by technologies such as liquid biopsies and blood tests to identify the ones at risk genetically and epigenetically. Foundation intends to continue such efforts with supporting the research aiming at discovering cancer long before standard tools of screening. Many of the research published by the founder of the foundation which is still presented at highest levels of the scientific community is focused on these detective techniques and therapies to prevent cancer by detecting it early and customizing treatments that are safe and yet effective long before a TUMOR is shaped.
What to do after you have been diagnosed?
It is very difficult when an individual has been diagnosed with Cancer. The below steps will make the next chapter simpler.
1. Choose a support group
A support group is very important in helping with the journey and for your emotional well-being. Make sure that you have the support needed. You can also reference our “Support” link that will provide you with some suggestions.
2. Choose a physician and a treatment facility
Choosing a doctor, you can trust is essential. You can meet with several doctors until you feel comfortable and confident with your choice. Once you have chosen your physician take the steps below.
- Know what questions to ask
- Conduct research
- Prepare a list of questions prior to your visit
- Do NOT hesitate to ask
3. Financial Organization
At times when we are going through challenging times, organizing all finances become tedious.
In order to continue, it is best that all finances are organized such as bills getting paid. In addition, it is very important to make sure that you have financial support. There are many different sources that provide financial aid depending on specific criteria.
We know that these may be trying times and we at CRL Foundation are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.