Advance Cancer Care Planning: Taking Control of Your Cancer Journey

Facing a Cancer Diagnosis: Why Advance Care Planning Matters

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. The whirlwind of medical decisions, treatment options, and emotional distress often leaves patients and their families feeling uncertain about the future. In such moments, taking control of your health journey through Advance Cancer Care Planning (ACP) becomes essential.

ACP is not about making tough decisions hastily—it’s about ensuring your preferences, values, and goals guide your healthcare choices, providing both clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

What is Advance Cancer Care Planning?

Advance Cancer Care Planning (ACP) is a structured process that allows patients to discuss, document, and communicate their medical preferences in case they are unable to make decisions for themselves. It serves as a roadmap that ensures healthcare providers and family members honor your wishes throughout your treatment and beyond.

ACP Involves Three Key Steps:

• Reflecting – Identifying what matters most to you in terms of quality of life and care.

• Discussing – Sharing your preferences with family and healthcare providers.

• Documenting – Recording your choices in legal documents like an Advance Directive or Living Will.

ACP allows individuals to retain autonomy over their cancer treatment, easing decision-making during challenging times.

Why is Advance Care Planning Important in Cancer Care?

There are multiple cancer treatment pathways, ranging from aggressive therapies to palliative care. Choosing the right course of action can be difficult, particularly when health conditions fluctuate unexpectedly.

Key Benefits of ACP in Cancer Care:

• Retain Control Over Your Treatment

  Express your preferences early, ensuring your voice is heard even if you become unable to communicate.

• Reduce Emotional Stress for Loved Ones

  Family members may struggle with making difficult medical choices on your behalf. A well-defined ACP removes uncertainty and reassures them they are honoring your wishes.

• Ensure Care Aligns with Your Values

  Whether you prioritize quality of life, life extension, or a balance of both, ACP ensures your treatment reflects your priorities.

• Support from Onco-Psychologists

  Onco-psychologists play a crucial role in ACP by helping patients process emotions, navigate anxiety, and communicate decisions effectively with family and care teams.

By embracing Advance Care Planning, cancer patients can face their health journey with confidence and clarity.

Key Considerations for ACP in Cancer Care

Every cancer journey is unique, and ACP should be tailored to reflect individual values and treatment goals. Here are essential factors to consider:

1. Understand Your Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis

• Speak openly with your oncologist to understand your cancer stage, available treatments, and likely outcomes.

• Discuss how different treatments align with your goals—whether it's extending life, symptom management, or maintaining independence.

  
  

2. Define Your Priorities for Quality of Life

• What matters most to you?

• Is it spending time with loved ones, avoiding prolonged hospital stays, or maintaining daily activities?

• Consider what trade-offs you’re willing to make in treatment (e.g., intensive chemotherapy vs. symptom relief).

  
  

3. Explore Palliative Care and Hospice Care

• Palliative care focuses on symptom management, emotional support, and quality of life, regardless of the stage of cancer.

• Hospice care provides comfort-focused treatment when curative options are no longer effective.

ACP helps you decide at what stage you may want to transition from curative treatments to comfort care.

4. Designate a Healthcare Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney)

• Appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions if you become unable to.

• Ensure they understand your values and treatment preferences.

  
  

5. Document Your Choices Legally

• Record your treatment preferences in an Advance Directive or Living Will.

• Specify which treatments you do or do not want (e.g., chemotherapy, resuscitation, feeding tubes).

  
  

6. Communicate with Your Care Team and Family

• Share your ACP documents with your oncologist, primary care doctor, and healthcare providers.

• Regularly review and update your plan as circumstances change.

Having ACP discussions early ensures that your treatment aligns with your evolving needs.

The Role of Family in Advance Care Planning

Cancer doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the entire family. Involving loved ones in ACP conversations can:

Encourage Open Communication – Prevent misunderstandings or conflicts later.

Reduce Emotional Burden – Knowing your wishes empowers them to make informed decisions.

Promote a Sense of Peace – Ensuring they are honoring your choices gives families comfort and closure.

Onco-psychologists can help families navigate these difficult conversations with empathy and understanding.

Taking the First Step: Empowering Your Cancer Care

Cancer care is deeply personal, and every individual’s journey is unique. Advance Care Planning empowers you to:

• Take control of your medical choices.

• Reduce the burden on loved ones.

• Ensure your treatment aligns with your values and goals.

• By planning ahead, you are not just preparing for uncertainty—you are gifting yourself and your loved ones the clarity, dignity, and peace of mind needed to navigate this journey with confidence.

  
  

OPSAN’s Onco-Psychologists and Palliative Care Specialists are here to guide you through this process with compassion.