How to Best Navigate a Diagnosis of Lung and Head and Neck Cancer

A diagnosis of lung cancer, or head and neck cancer, can be one of the most life-altering events that a person may go through, making appropriate preparation for medical appointments essential, according to Dr. Douglas Reznick, who went on to add that education is a key component of care.

Additionally, he highlights that it is important for patients with lung or head and neck cancers to ask whether their case is being reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, as collaborative care can lead to better outcomes among patients within this space.

In an interview with CURE, Reznick sat down to discuss what advice he has for patients with lung or head and neck cancers who may feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis, as well as shares important questions that patients may discuss with their primary care team following their cancer diagnosis.

Reznick is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, located in Denver, Colorado.

Transcript:

Yeah, it's a lot. For most people, it's probably the biggest traumatic event they encounter or have ever encountered in their life. I think it's important to come in prepared with your questions, and sometimes folks don't know what to ask. It is okay to ask the doctor, "What should I be asking?" or "What more should I know?" Education is a big part of our team.

I really appreciate patients understanding their diagnosis and what it means to understand any genetic drivers or molecular alterations that might be present. I think it's very important, in all stages of lung cancer, as well as head and neck cancers, to ask your doctor if they are part of a multidisciplinary team of physicians and other [specialists] who review these cases collectively on a regular basis. [That is] because I think that's where patients are going to get the most benefit.

We don't all operate in our own silos anymore; it's very collaborative, and I think that serves patients well. We also learn from each other during conferences. I think that's probably one of the more important pieces, especially for individuals with lung [or] head and neck cancers.

Transcript was edited for clarity and conciseness.

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