Understanding your
Cancer Care Journey
Each cancer journey is deeply personal and shaped by your unique history, experiences, and needs. Although everyone’s path may look a little different, there are some common stages we all navigate together, like diagnosis, treatment planning, active treatment, supportive care, follow-up, and survivorship. At our practice, we’re here to honour and support every part of your journey.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing clear, honest guidance, listening to your concerns, and respecting your preferences. We’re here beside you, committed to delivering the thoughtful, individualised care you deserve at every step of the way.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Being proactive about your health can make a life-changing difference. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, and it often starts with awareness.
We encourage you to take the following steps to stay informed and take charge of your health:
- Perform regular monthly self-examinations.
- Keep up with routine health screenings and check-ups.
- Learn about common symptoms and risk factors, especially if there’s a family history of cancer.
- If you notice any unusual changes or symptoms, don’t wait; schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Cancer Care
What to Expect
The following guide outlines the stages of care, from initial awareness to ongoing support.
At Curo Oncology, we prioritise your well-being, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every step of your journey.
1. DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your journey begins with a warm welcome and a dedicated team by your side. During your first visit, you’ll meet your doctor, review your medical history, and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. We’re here to ensure you feel informed and supported, please don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Bring along the following to your first visit:
- Any questions or concerns
- Relevant scans or test results
- Your current medications or a list from your pharmacy
- Medical aid/insurance details (if applicable)
- A support person, such as a family member or friend
We’re committed to providing personalised, compassionate care every step of the way.
2. Screening & Testing
Once there is a suspicion of cancer, additional tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis, including:
- Blood tests and imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scans) to assess possible cancer markers.
- Biopsies or scopes to obtain tissue samples, which are essential for confirming the diagnosis and staging.
3. Diagnosis
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, our team will ensure you have a clear understanding of your specific cancer, including its type, stage, and unique characteristics. We know this can be an overwhelming time, so we take the time to explain everything thoroughly, answer your questions, and offer reassurance. You’ll be guided through the next steps in your care plan with empathy and clarity, so you can move forward feeling supported and informed.
4. Treatment Planning
Following your diagnosis, we develop a personalised treatment plan designed specifically for you. This plan is created through close collaboration between you and our multidisciplinary team, which may include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.
Together, we consider every aspect of your health, the type and stage of your cancer, and your personal goals and preferences. Our aim is to provide the most effective treatment approach while supporting your overall well-being throughout your journey.
5. Treatment
Cancer Treatment May Involve:
Your cancer treatment may involve one or more approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination tailored to your specific needs. Every treatment plan is unique, and we’ll ensure you fully understand each option and what it entails.
During this phase, we also coordinate closely with your medical aid or private funding provider, which may occasionally extend the timeline. Throughout it all, our team is here to guide and support you, keeping you informed, cared for, and confident in the steps ahead.
6. Supportive Care
At Curo-Oncology, we understand that cancer treatment affects more than just your physical health. That’s why we ensure you have access to comprehensive supportive care throughout your journey.
While we do not offer these services directly, we work closely with a trusted network of professionals to support your broader needs. This includes referrals for nutritional guidance, physical rehabilitation, counselling services, and support groups. Our team will guide you in finding the right resources to help manage side effects, improve comfort, and maintain your quality of life, because your overall well-being is just as important as your treatment.
7. Follow-Up & Surveillance
Your care doesn’t end when treatment does. At Curo-Oncology, we remain by your side with ongoing follow-up and surveillance to support your long-term health and peace of mind.
After your initial treatment is complete, we’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery, check for any signs of recurrence, and manage any lasting side effects. These visits may include physical examinations, imaging scans, blood tests, or other investigations, depending on your specific diagnosis and treatment history.
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and empowered during this next phase of your journey. If you ever have questions or notice changes in your health, our team is always here to help.
8. Survivourship & Rehabilitation
Completing cancer treatment is a significant milestone, and at
Curo-Oncology, we’re committed to supporting you well beyond it. Survivorship is a new phase of your journey, one that focuses on healing,
renewal, and long-term wellbeing.
Our team will guide you through the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care, helping you manage any ongoing physical or emotional effects.
While we do not provide rehabilitation services directly, we collaborate closely with trusted specialists in areas such as physiotherapy, nutritional care, psychological support, and wellness programs.
Whether you’re rebuilding strength, coping with fatigue, or adjusting to life after cancer, we’re here to ensure you feel supported, understood, and empowered, every step of the way.
9. Palliative Care & Pain Management
Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life support, it is an essential part
of comprehensive cancer care that can be integrated at any stage of
your journey.
If needed, we work closely with experienced palliative care providers to help manage pain, ease symptoms, and support your overall well-being, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This approach is personalised and focuses on enhancing your quality of life, whether alongside curative treatment or as the primary focus of care.
Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, heard, and as comfortable as possible throughout your experience.
Do you have Questions?
We would love to speak with you. Feel free to reach out with any questions
or help you might need
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