Rare Cancer Guide

Not all rare cancers have strange, unfamiliar names such as hair cell leukemia. Brain tumors, cancer of the liver and ovaries are all considered rare cancers.A cancer is considered rare if it is diagnosed in less than 15 people per 100,000 each year. For example, ovarian cancer occurs in about 21,000 women each year, which means it is classified as rare.Most rare forms of cancer in adults are grouped together in a larger classification. For example, leukemia is a general classification of several rare types of cancers that occur in the blood.The common cancers such as lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer attract much more attention and get much more research funding than the rare types of cancer. Many of the rare forms of cancer can't be easily linked to environmental and other factors. Rare cancer research may be able to help scientists unlock the genetic codes which explain how humans get cancer.
Getting Clinical Care For Patients With A Rare Cancer
The problem with a rare form of cancer is finding a physician who is familiar with its diagnosis and treatment. Because these cancers don't happen as much as the common cancers, most physicians don't have experience in diagnosing and treating these cancers.In order to get appropriate treatment for a rare form of cancer, you may have to continually ask your oncologist for answers. You may have to learn how to do the research yourself and even travel to see other doctors who specialize in an area of research similar to your cancer. Don't be surprised if the medical advice you get seems conflicting. Some insurance companies may even require a second opinion in the diagnosis of a rare cancer.Seek a referral to a nearby "major" cancer treatment center because this will increase your chances of consulting with a specialist who is more familiar with your cancer type. Major cancer treatment centers are usually located in large metropolitan cities. Get someone you know that is skilled in Internet research to help you out with your online research studies.
How To Find Support For Rare Cancer Patients
Many people diagnosed with a rare cancer often feel alienated and alone because there are so few people who share their same condition. Most cancer patients find some sort of consolation in discussing their condition with others who have the same condition. Rare cancer patients have a difficult time finding others who have the same condition.In these cases, cancer patients may be able to find a sense of community through online means such as support groups and cancer forums or blogs. Rare forms of cancer may actually be easier to treat because they may have a single molecular genetic flaw that is common to them. However, the difficulty lies in detecting these rare cancers early, properly diagnosing the rare cancer and then seeking the appropriate treatment. Because the cancer is rare, it may be difficult to move through these phases quickly enough.
Consider a Clinical Trial
When cancers grow in spite of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, it may be time to consider other alternatives such as clinical trials. Cancer treatments must go through clinical trials before they are approved for use with the general population. You can choose to be a clinical trial patient and help advance cancer research to find a cure. Weigh the risks carefully! Get Insurance Guidance
Rare cancer patients often face insurance hurdles. Some insurance plans require pre-approval before they will pay for a treatment of a rare cancer. Keep careful records of all interactions with your insurance company. Make audio or video recordings of your conversations (ask for permission first!) with insurance representatives.
Source by ezinearticles.com