The Importance of Being Your Own Cancer Advocate

When you’re faced with a cancer diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start or how to navigate the journey ahead. Most people naturally rely on their doctors to lead the way, but it’s actually just as important to see yourself as an active partner in the process. Becoming your own cancer advocate can make a significant difference in your treatment options and the outcomes of your treatment. 

In this post, I’m sharing why advocating for yourself in the process is so important, as well as some practical advice for navigating the journey ahead.

The Importance of Being a Cancer Advocate in Your Treatment

Most patients’ natural instinct is to accept their doctor’s recommendations without question. They are the experts we look to when we are diagnosed. 

However, while doctors provide expertise, you also bring your own lived experience, instincts, and goals to the table.

Being your own cancer advocate means giving yourself permission to ask questions and understand what’s being recommended. 

It means clarifying side effects, weighing options, and ensuring the treatment plan aligns with your values and quality of life. And remember, asking questions doesn’t offend your providers; in fact, most doctors welcome engaged patients and want you to feel confident in your choices.

[Related: Showing Compassion For Ourselves as Cancer Patients]

Don’t Be Afraid To Explore Second Opinions 

Every cancer center has different resources, access to clinical trials, and treatment protocols. 

The larger research hospitals often have cutting-edge treatments and the latest clinical studies, while smaller hospitals may have fewer options to offer.

That’s why seeking a second (or even third!) opinion can be life-changing. For example, your doctor may tell you in good faith that there are no more treatment options available, when another larger cancer center might be aware of newer or different treatment possibilities. 

Second opinions are very common in the oncology world, and your care team will be receptive to your desire to consult with another doctor. 

It’s important to stay curious, to ask what else might be available, and sometimes to seek out expert voices beyond your immediate care team. Research, whether you do it yourself or with help, can provide both knowledge and empowerment, which can drastically change your cancer journey. 

My Own Experience 

I’ve experienced firsthand how personal advocacy can reshape your treatment path. When I was diagnosed, I learned that my diagnosis, clear cell uterine carcinoma, is very unusual. Not rare, but unusual, in that for about every hundred women diagnosed with uterine cancer, three or four might have clear cell. 

It’s also an aggressive cancer, so I knew right away that I wanted to find out who the experts were so I could learn from them, and possibly even consult with them. Through my own research and even some help from a friend, I eventually learned that there really aren’t any experts in clear cell carcinoma, unfortunately. 

So I approached my doctors and urged them to partner with me in learning as much as we could together. I asked them to share what they were able to learn about uterine clear cell, and I would share what I learned through my own research, so we could tackle it head-on as a team. 

I’m grateful that I had the foresight to do this, and that they were open to learning with me, but I see too often that patients don’t realize that advocating for themselves is something they should be doing. 

Being your own advocate isn’t about distrusting your doctor, it’s about ensuring you have every possible tool and option at your disposal.

How to Be Your Own Cancer Advocate 

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, here are some things I always recommend doing:  

• Ask questions. Even if they seem basic to you, it’s so important to speak up.

  
  

• Seek second or third opinions. This is common in oncology and can open up new possibilities. Especially if you live in a rural area, you can always consult with another doctor at a larger cancer center and ask your local doctor to carry out their treatment plan for you.
  

• Do your research. Use reputable sources and invite your care team to review and discuss findings with you.
  

• Bring support. Having a trusted friend or family member with you can make navigating conversations easier or help you take notes as needed.
  

• Don’t be afraid of offending anyone. This is your life. Your care should reflect your voice and your needs.

  
  

Cancer Navigator 

At the end of the day, becoming your own cancer advocate is about taking control and listening to your instincts in a process that can often feel overwhelming. It’s about asking, learning, and participating in decisions that deeply affect your future.

You don’t have to do it all alone. As a cancer coach, therapist, and survivor myself, I help clients navigate their care with strength and clarity. If you’d like support, I offer complimentary consultation calls to help you determine if counseling is the right fit for you. 

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