Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
Donations, website, or event-related assistance
Tobacco-related topics
Volunteer opportunities
Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
It's important to have open and honest communications with your cancer care team about your acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Ask about anything you don’t understand or want to know more about. For instance, consider these questions:
When you're told you have AML
Can you explain to me what AML is? How is it different from other types of leukemia?
Should I get a second opinion? Can you suggest a doctor or cancer center?
What should I do to be ready for treatment?
How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
What are the risks and side effects of treatment? How long are they likely to last?
How will treatment affect my daily activities?
What is my prognosis (outlook)?
During and after treatment
Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but getting answers to the ones that do may be helpful.
How will we know if the treatment is working?
What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
Do I need to eat a special diet during treatment?
Are there any limits on what I can do?
Should I exercise? What should I do, and how often?
Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
What would my options be if the treatment isn’t working?
Where can I find more information and support?
Be sure to write down any questions you have that are not on this list. For instance, you might want specific information about expected recovery times or returning to work. Or you might want to ask if you qualify for any clinical trials.
Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, might be able to answer some of your questions. You can find out more about speaking with your health care team in Talking With Your Doctor.
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: August 21, 2018
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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