Did you know that more than 60 percent of cancers in the United States occur in people age 65 and older? What would you do if you or a loved one was suddenly told, “based on your test results you have cancer”?
The VHA will partner with the Moffitt Cancer Center at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at Eisenhower Recreation Center to help educate residents regarding one of the scariest and most difficult decisions you may ever have to make.
Moffitt is one of only 49 designated National Cancer Institutes – Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country and the only one based in Florida.
At this presentation Dr. Timothy Kubal, a Moffitt cancer specialist, will discuss surgical and other treatment options, personalized team-based medicine, clinical trials, the value of second opinions and more. Dr. Kubal is currently participating in numerous clinical trials and is a recognized author and authority that has several medical publications. In addition to his research and clinical interests, Dr. Kubal serves as Moffitt’s medical director of process excellence and is focused on continuous improvement of the patient experience.
To some degree, we are fortunate to have many excellent cancer care centers in our area, but how do you know which one is best for you? Finding the right treatment center and health care team to treat your cancer isn’t always easy. Here you can learn more about the types of health professionals who care for people with cancer and hopefully understand how to find the ones that are right for you.
Once you learn you have cancer, you should want to make sure you’re getting the best possible medical care and treatment. It’s normal to wonder if another doctor could offer a different treatment option. You may want to talk with another doctor who can look at your test results, talk with you about your personal situation, and maybe give you a different take on it. But getting a second opinion can also reaffirm your proposed treatment plan and help you feel more secure about your diagnosis and doctor. There are many reasons for getting a second opinion, including: Your doctor is not a specialist in your type of cancer. Your doctor gives you a few different treatment options. You think another treatment might be available. You want to be sure you have explored all options or you just want peace of mind that you are making the right choice. It’s important to understand that it’s common for patients to get a second opinion, and most doctors are comfortable with the request. In fact, some insurance companies require you to get one before you start treatment.
The VHA wants you to be an informed and educated patient. Dr. Kubal will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns regarding cancer, it’s diagnosis, treatment and care, so bring your questions to this event. The VHA encourages you to prepare yourself in the event cancer strikes you or a loved one and we look forward to seeing you at this event so that together we can “keep the dream alive.”
