Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are the most common types of cancer?
The most common types of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are cancers of the skin, lung, breast, colon, rectum, and prostate.
What do the different stages of cancer (I-IV) mean?
Stage 0 - early cancer that is present only in the layer of cells in which it began;
Stage I-III - Higher numbers indicate more extensive disease: greater tumor size, and/or spread of the cancer to nearby lymph nodes and/or organs adjacent to the primary tumor;
Stage IV - The cancer has spread to another organ.
Is there anything I can do or lifestyle choices I can make to prevent cancer?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, there are many things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. Don't smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, follow screening guidelines.
Do I need to see a primary care physician before I see an oncologist?
This varies, based on your health plan requirements. However, if your plan is an HMO, then yes, you will be required to see your primary care physician (PCP) and obtain a referral to see an oncologist. Most Point of Service (POS) plans also require that you see your PCP before you can get a referral to an oncologist. In general, most PPO or Indemnity plans, you do not need to see your family physician or PCP first. The best resource is your member summary of benefits booklet.
Can I choose my oncologist?
Some plans will allow you to self-refer to an oncologist of your choice, or be referred by another specialist, but just be sure to verify with your health plan if the oncologist is listed under your plan’s provider directory as a participating physician before you make an appointment.
How important are second opinions?
Patients who seek second opinions are taking positive steps to improve their health. What we call cancer is actually several hundred different diseases, and each one of them can behave differently from patient to patient. If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment plan, a GCS doctor is available to see you, review your records, and help you make important decisions about your care. Second opinions are also accessible through our Ask the Doc page.
I've just been diagnosed, but my first treatment session isn't for two weeks? Will I get worse before the doctor can treat me?
The delay of two weeks will not typically allow your cancer to spread more distantly. The coordination of treating physicians and diagnostics can cause a delay in treatment, but it is critical to have all of the data performed prior to initiating therapy to assure the most appropriate and best treatment available is initiated.
If I have cancer, is it likely my children will have it in adulthood as well?
A family history of cancer can increase a person's risk of developing certain types of cancer, so this is certainly something you should educate your children about. Genetic risk assessment also helps identify individuals who are at higher risk for these types of hereditary cancers Ask your physician for more information on genetic risk assessment.
