Pancreatic Cancer: Patient Empowerment through SelfAdvocacy

by Maureen Elliott, BA, MA

Pancreatic cancer is known as the world’s toughest cancer, with only marginal advancements in survival rates over the past 50 years. Often considered to be a death sentence, a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is incredibly distressing and can be made worse by your doctor or care team having little advice, direction or support beyond “go home and get your affairs in order.”

However, more and more patients are demanding better from their healthcare providers and the system in general; they are seeking treatment beyond Canadian borders and asking more questions of their care team to receive more personalized treatment plans. Self-advocacy can be used throughout the pancreatic cancer experience as a tool for gaining control, ensuring the best treatment, and improving both physical and emotional well-being when dealing with pancreatic cancer.

Self-Advocacy in Pancreatic Cancer: Why It Matters

1 Better Communication with Healthcare Providers: When you advocate for yourself, you establish open and clear communication with your doctors, which can help clarify your needs, preferences, and concerns. This promotes a collaborative relationship where you can ask questions, address fears, and ensure that your voice is heard in treatment planning.

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Personalized Care and Treatment Options: Engaging in self-advocacy allows individuals to actively participate in their treatment decisions. Pancreatic cancer treatment options can vary based on the stage and type of cancer, and advocating for oneself ensures that the patient explores the most effective and personalized treatments available.

2. Access to Clinical Trials and New Treatments: Self-advocacy can help patients stay informed about the latest clinical trials and experimental treatments. By actively seeking out opportunities, individuals may gain access to cutting-edge therapies that are not part of standard treatment protocols.

4. Emotional and Psychological Support

: Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming. By advocating for oneself, patients can seek out necessary mental health resources, counselling, or support groups, which can provide a strong foundation for coping with the emotional challenges of the disease.