Doctor's tasks during the first consultation

The doctor must perform the following tasks during the first consultation:

• Inform the patient about the purpose of information collection
• Learn about family history of oncological diseases
• Perform a complete examination, paying attention to any manifestations of a tumor or other diseases
• Prescribe tests and research for an accurate diagnosis
• Order and review CT or MRI images
• To clarify to women and men of childbearing age the possibility of the effect of cancer therapy on reproductive function, as well as methods of preserving the possibility of having children after treatment
• Explain the obtained results and explain the nature of the disease
• Indicate in detail the possibilities of treatment and prognosis
• Determine the optimal treatment plan taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient
• Discuss possible side effects and alternative treatment
• Tell the patient that all further diagnosis and treatment is carried out exclusively according to national or international guidelines
• Provide psychosocial support, as an oncology diagnosis can cause stress and emotional difficulties
• Recommend to contact patient groups - Athena, Women against Cancer and/or Inspiration Family and for free psychological help to Yanina Sokolova's Fund
• Determine the schedule of medical visits and additional examinations to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the patient's condition
• Clarify access to treatment - conditions for providing surgery, radiation therapy, and access to chemotherapy. Pay attention to clarifying where the patient can check the availability of free medicines and how to get them

The doctor must provide all the information and answers to all the patient's questions in order to facilitate the patient's understanding and full participation in the treatment process.