The National Cancer Institute’s most recent available statistics estimated that in 2020, there would be over 1.8 million new cases of cancer diagnoses in the USA.1 Additionally, it is projected that by 2040, the yearly incidence of cancer cases will increase to 29.5 million globally.1 With these values representing national and international cancer morbidity, you would be hard pressed not to recognizing that individuals who face a cancer diagnosis (and those who support and care for them) would need resources to support them as they navigate being newly diagnosed, and through the treatment they will face.
With insight on topics such as diagnosis, informed decision making, treatment options, nutrition, financing and more, Your Cancer Road Map, informed by the patient experience and voice is such a resource to consider. Kim Thiboldeaux approaches traditionally difficult issues associated with cancer, with practicality and empathy. As an expert in the provision of support and resources to persons diagnosed with cancer, she uses her experience and includes ways persons can managing the associated fears and navigating with resilience.
It must be noted that while the 29 chapters focus on an individual’s journey through a cancer diagnosis, many of the approaches and recommendations can be applied to other healthcare issues. For instance, the information provided to help persons understand insurance, identify and access relevant medical and non-clinical resources and ways to build and engage in community can be adopted for implementation in other settings for other conditions. Additionally, the development of an individualized healthy lifestyle plan with your support and treatment team using the SMART goal approach was recommended.
A text such as this one, can be consider a “toolkit” of sorts. It delivers a practical approach to navigating what is likely to be a difficult journey for a patient with cancer and/or their caregivers, with many lessons that even those who may not be currently dealing with cancer can still apply.
References:
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Statistics. Published 2020. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
