Treatment guidelines

While every case of cancer is different, your specialist should recommend treatment that is based on research. This is called evidence-based medicine. Doctors often follow standards called clinical practice guidelines, which outline the best available treatments for particular cancers. The guidelines may cover:

• tests needed to determine the stage and grade of the cancer
• treatments that are most effective at each stage
• recommended time frames (e.g. how long it is reasonable to wait between receiving test results and starting treatment).

All doctors should be familiar with treatment guidelines, regardless of where they work. Some treatment centres use their own guidelines. Specialists will tailor treatment to suit your situation – this treatment should still meet the recommended best practice guidelines.

Patients are able to read treatment guidelines. Ask your doctor what guidelines they are using – they may use an international guideline if there is not an Australian version. Visit these links to see some of these guidelines:

• Cancer Australia
• Cancer Council Australia Cancer Guidelines Wiki
• Optimal cancer care pathways.

It’s important to play an active role in your treatment, because it’s your life and body.

Vivien

Listen to our podcasts on Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis and Making Treatment Decisions