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
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Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
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It’s important to have honest, open discussions with your doctor and cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, so that you can make informed treatment decisions. For instance, consider these questions:
When you’re told you have nasal cavity (nose) or paranasal sinus cancer
If surgery is part of my treatment, what kind are you recommending? Will I need reconstruction surgery also? What options for reconstruction do I have?
Will surgery make it hard for me to eat, talk, or see?
What is the goal of the treatment?
What are the chances that I can be cured of this cancer with these treatment options?
How fast do I need to decide on treatment?
What can I do to be ready for treatment?
How long will treatment last? What will be done?
Where will I get treatment ?
Will treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work fulltime?
What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? How long will they last?
What can I do to prevent or reduce the side effects?
Should I get a second opinion? How do I do that? Can you recommend someone?
Will this treatment change the way I look?
What other choices will I have if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer comes back (recurs) after treatment?
What if I have problems getting to and from treatment?
Do you know of any clinical trials I might be eligible for?
During treatment for nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer
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 asking the ones that do may be helpful.
Are there any limits on what I can do or what I can eat?
Can I exercise during treatment? If so, what kind should I do, and how often?
Can you suggest a mental health professional if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
What social support is available during treatment if my family is far away?
After treatment for nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer
Will I need a special diet after treatment?
Will I need to see a specialist to evaluate how I speak and swallow ?
Are there any limits on what I can do?
What symptoms should I watch for?
What kind of exercise should I do now?
How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
When should my next tests be done?
Will I need any blood tests?
How will we know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for?
What will my options be if the cancer comes back?
Along with these examples, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan your work or activity schedule.
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, can answer some of your questions. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship.
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: April 19, 2021
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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