Cancer - now what now?

Hearing a doctor say the word ‘cancer’ can be overwhelming, especially when it’s about you or a loved one. At Mountain View Oncology, we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way through your cancer treatment. Here is what you can expect from your journey with us:

Step 1: Diagnosis

Your journey begins with a diagnosis. If you or your doctor suspect cancer, various tests and scans will be done to confirm the diagnosis. These may include blood tests, biopsies, and imaging tests like CT scans, MRI’s, or X-rays.

Step 2: Registration with Medical Aid Programs

Once a diagnosis is made, our team will help you register with your medical aid’s oncology program. This ensures that your treatment plan is covered, and you get the support you need.

Step 3: Meeting Your Oncologist

You will then meet with one of our Oncologists. The Oncologist will review your diagnosis and discuss your treatment options with you. This is a great time to ask any questions and express any concerns you might have.

Step 4: Creating a Treatment Plan

Based on your specific type of cancer and its stage, your oncologist will create a personalized treatment plan for you. This plan will outline the best course of action for your treatment, which may include one or more of the following options sometimes in combination with one another:

Treatment Options:

Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.
Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Surgery: Physically removes the tumor or cancerous tissue from your body.

Step 5: Application to medical Aid :

Once a treatment plan is devised it needs to be submitted to the medical aid electronically. The usual turnaround time for approval is 7-21 working days, depending on the complexity of the treatment and whether it is in protocol with the medical aid.

Step 6: Treatment and Support

Once your authorisation is in place, you will start your treatment. Our team will be with you throughout your journey, providing medical care, emotional support, and practical assistance. We will also monitor your progress closely and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Step 7: Follow-Up Care

After your treatment is completed, follow-up care is crucial. You will have regular check-ups to monitor your health, manage any side effects, and ensure that the cancer has not returned. We are here to support you during your recovery and beyond.

At Mountain View Oncology, we believe in providing compassionate care and support every step of the way. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.