FAQs
- What is a Clinical Trial
?Cancer Specialists world wide are constantly studying the effects of various treatments in order to improve the quality of cancer treatments and to improve survival rates. This type of study is called a clinical trial or study. Each trial or study is designed to answer specific questions about specific cancers. If you are asked to take part in a clinical trial it will be fully explained to you before you decided whether you want to take part or not. - Will I be able to get Insurance in the future?
A lot of people worry that they won’t be able to get insurance in the future. Each person’s application for insurance is treated on their individual circumstances such as how long ago you had the cancer, what type of insurance cover you are looking etc. The best thing to do when you are looking for insurance is to contact a few companies and get a number of quotes and compare them. Remember most insurance companies are keen to sell.
- Will I lose my hair?Chemotherapy drugs are very powerful drugs used to treat cancer. Because they are so strong they can have other affects on the body besides killing the cancer cells. These are known as side effects. One of the side affects associated with some chemotherapy drugs is hair loss. Hair should grow back about 6 weeks after treatment ends. But not all chemotherapy drugs have this side affect and you should talk to your nurse or doctor to find out if this is one of the side affects associated with the drug you are taking. If you are having Radiotherapy treatment hair will only be lost from the part of the body being treated. Radiotherphy is very strong and sometimes the hair does not grow back. The radiotherapist will try to avoid this as much as possible and to limit this effect if permanent hair loss is likely. If you are concerned about this talk to your radiotherapist, doctor or nurse. Have a look in the About you section for more information and tips on how to deal with hair loss.
- What is a Hickman Line?
Because of the need for frequent blood tests and drugs and fluids during your cancer treatment it is likely that you will have a Hickman line, or Portacath inserted so that blood samples can be taken and drugs and fluids given. This means that you don’t need to have a needle inserted each time. Hickman lines, PICC line or a Portacath are tubes put into your vein and are left in while you need them. A Hickman line can stay in for a long period of time. A Portacath can be left in place for up to a week while it is needed. If you need to have a Hickman or Portacath inserted your nurse will explain it to you and answer any questions you may have.
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