The treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers involves many different health care providers. Most treatments subject women to a high degree of physical and psychological strain.

Women with cancer are offered individual treatment plans based on their :

• Type of cancer
• Cancer's characteristics
• Stage of cancer
• Personnal situation and wishes

Each treatment plan may be different, for example, some women will have either all or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Chemotherapy may be given alone. Your doctors will help you understand which combination of treatments is best for you.

Depending on the type of treatment plan that was selected and your general health, you may need to deal with hospitalization, and recuperation of post-operative effects, e.g. nausea, pain, drains, sutures.

It is important when planing your time at the hospital to talk to the doctors about your :

• Physical condition
• Help needed at home
• Special needs in equipment

Discharge planning is of utmost importance. Make sure you know who to call with your questions and dates of medical appointments.

It is best to have a support person that you chose to be closely involved in your care. This support person could attend appointments, and read and obtain information to help you make a treatment decision that is right for you.

Here are some resources that can help during difficult times

Understanding Treatment for Breast Cancer
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy and Other Drug Therapies
Exercises After Breast Therapy
Complementary Therapies
Clinical Trials