The seven steps an educated consumer uses to choose a treatment are:

Step 1. Know your rights.

Step 2. Understand your diagnosis.

Step 3. Be sure your doctor knows what she needs to know about you.

Step 4. Decide what is important to you about your treatment.

Step 5. Ask questions about the pros and cons of the proposed treatment and alternatives. (We supply a list of common questions to ask).

Step 6. Consider getting a second opinion.

Step 7. Speak with the people closest to you and your medical team before making a final decision.

Give yourself time to make a reasoned decision - particularly if you are newly diagnosed. If you were newly diagnosed, you need time to absorb what you have been told. With the exception of true medical emergencies, you usually have at least a few weeks to make important treatment decisions without jeopardizing your health. Ask your doctor for a more specific time frame.

If you have family members or loved ones who will be involved in your treatment decisions or care, before agreeing to a treatment, consider requesting a "group appointment" with your doctor. Most doctors will not object to meeting with your "support team."

Stay away from experimental/unproven treatments unless they are part of a clinical trial. Look for a clinical trial if standard treatments are not sufficient for your needs.

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