Canadian Cancer Society logo appears above the video title, “How to get the answers you need”. This video is part of the Cancer Basics series.
VO: How to get the answers you need
A person who has recently been diagnosed with cancer appears on screen. Beside the person are many thought bubbles that contain question marks.
The narrator appears on screen. She is an information specialist with the Canadian Cancer Society.
VO: When you're diagnosed with cancer, you may have many questions. If you don't know where to start or how to get the answers you need, I'm here to help. I'm Sarah -- an information specialist at the Canadian Cancer Society.
A healthcare team appears beside the person.
VO: Asking questions -- if you have them -- is important. Getting answers will help you work with your healthcare team to make decisions that are right for you.
The person appears confused while he looks at his medical charts. He picks up his phone.
VO: Some people feel like they're bothering their healthcare team when they ask questions. But talking about your worries and getting some answers may help ease your mind.
The cancer information specialist appears on screen sitting at a desk. Four images appear in bubbles: a figure with areas on the body highlighted to represent the question “What is the type of cancer?”, a pill bottle to represent the question “How is it treated?”, a radiation machine to represent the question “How do the treatments work?” and person looking tired to represent the question “What about side effects?”.
VO: Many questions might be about treatments. What is the type of cancer and how is it treated? How do the treatments work? What are their pros and cons? What about side effects?
The person appears with a calendar beside him. Three images appear: a suitcase to represent travel for treatment, a hospital to represent a hospital stay and a clock to represent time off work or school.
VO: Asking questions about your treatment plan can help you prepare for possible changes to your daily routine. For instance, you may need to travel for treatment, stay in the hospital or take time off work or school.
Three images appear: a healthcare professional arriving at a house, three people talking in a support group and someone doing yoga.
VO: You may also want to ask about services that are available to help you and what you can do to take care of yourself during this time.
The person sits at a desk with piles of papers and books in front of him.
VO: It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the new words and complex information. It can be a lot to take in! These tips might help.
The person brings a notebook with him when he is talking to his doctor.
VO: Have some questions ready for your appointments. Ask your most important questions first.
The person is talking to his doctor while someone sitting beside him is taking notes.
VO: If you can, take someone with you to help ask or take notes. Some people find it helpful to record the conversation to listen to later or to share with family. If you want to do this, always check the rules with your healthcare team first.
The person and his doctor appear with speech bubbles to show the doctor explaining something and the person repeating it in his own words.
VO: Repeat answers in your own words to make sure you understand. It's OK to ask if you can go over something again.
The person and his doctor are sitting in chairs. A phone and a laptop appear in bubbles to show that how the person can contact his team after his appointment.
VO: Ask how to contact your team between appointments. When you leave appointments, know what your next steps are.
The person and the cancer information specialist appear on screen. They are talking to each other on the phone.
VO: Your questions are worth asking. If you're recently diagnosed with cancer and don't know where to start, let us help. Visit cancer.ca or call us at 1-888-939-3333.
Canadian Cancer Society logo appears above the contact number and website. The BMO bank logo appears below as a sponsor of the Cancer Basics videos.
