Navigate your diagnosis

Your Diagnosis (What is Cancer?)

As commonly discussed as the topic of Cancer is, it is not very well understood. Cancer is actually your own cells, just growing out of control. Each cell in our body contains DNA that instructs it when to grow, how fast to grow, how big to grow and also when to die. It is when these DNA instructions get mutated or changed that causes your body to lose control of these cells.

When these cells grow out of control they utilize resources that that were meant for the healthy cells and if not treated can eventually diminish the capability of organs to perform their life preserving functions.

Talking to your Physician

Once you’ve received your diagnosis, your physician should be the first place you go with your questions. However, it’s hard to know what questions you should be asking. We’ve prepared our own list of questions to help you start the conversation, including…

• Should/Can I get a second opinion?
• Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors? Are other members of my family at risk?
• Are their molecular tests available that may lead to better treatment or possible clinical trials?

Getting a Second Opinion

It is very common to have doubts about the accuracy of your diagnosis, and rightfully so, because “Cancer is a big deal”. In Pathology/Oncology, it is common practice to request a second opinion of your cancer diagnosis, in fact most insurance companies will cover second opinion consultations.

Regardless of where your procedure was performed, whether it was at a small community health center or a large hospital you always have the option to request a second opinion. The Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Pathology has taken the lead in the area of second-opinion consultation based on our strict subspecialty practice.

Common Treatment Options

People with cancer commonly need several different kinds of physicians — surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists and others. In most care settings, patients and their families have to coordinate multiple providers, clinics and services.

The Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital offers an alternative. We group physicians, nurses and others by the kind of cancer they treat, not the kind of medical service they provide. Patients can access all the caregivers they need through a single cancer team. We call this approach the “Hub Model” because it puts the patient at the center, surrounded by a full complement of physicians and other experts, resources and support.

At the Clinical Cancer Center, there is a specialized hub team for every kind of cancer. For patients and their families, the benefits are completely coordinated treatment and a seamless care experience.

Personalizing your 

Treatment Plan

The Cancer Genetics Screening Program provides genetic counseling and testing to individuals who may be at increased risk of cancer due to a personal history of cancer, family history of cancer or an underlying genetic condition.

The Cancer Genetics Screening Program is part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center. The goal of the program is to provide personalized counseling regarding cancer risk, cancer genetics, genetic testing, early detection, improved cancer management and possible risk reduction.

Getting Back to your Life

Cancer patients have multifaceted support care needs. Our Cancer Network provides a full range of support services that address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families.