Join us for a Survivorship Event
The Thomas A. Alberico, MD Lectureship and Retreat
REGISTER NOW
Please join us for this premiere event designed to educate, support and honor cancer survivors and their families as well as healthcare professionals.
June 24, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Westin at Virginia Beach Town Center
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee
Prize-winning Science Writer
Screenings & Prevention
Early detection really does save lives, and we encourage you to talk to your doctor about your risks and cancer screening schedule. While there is no way to completely avoid some cancers, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding tobacco
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Protecting yourself from the sun
- Getting immunized
- Avoiding risky behaviors
- Following a screening schedule, including self-exams
What Happens After a Diagnosis
When you or a loved one gets a cancer diagnosis, many thoughts, questions and feelings will be going through your mind. Our team is here to support you on every step of your journey. In addition to checking out additional resources on Sentara.com, here are a few topics that might be helpful on your journey. We also have additional information about community resources, support groups and financial support in our Support section of the site.
In many cases, the first step after diagnosis is seeing a surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will examine you, ask lots of questions, and then tell you their initial impressions for treatment. Before you leave the surgeon’s office, you may be scheduled for an MRI, CT, PET scan, bone scan, and have appointments to see the Medical Oncologist and the Radiation Oncologist.
The Sentara Network functions as a team. We have you see all of the doctors that will be involved in your care and follow national guidelines for treating cancer to decide on the best treatment for you. After the tests and appointments have taken place, you will return to the surgeon’s office for final treatment recommendations.
Learn more about tests your doctor may orderIf you have recently been diagnosed, you will probably want to tell your trusted friends and family members fairly soon. What is the best way to share this personal information so that you can inform them and enlist their help and encouragement?
Learn how to share with family and friendsAnxiety (a feeling of worry or unease), fear, uncertainty, anger, and sadness are common feelings that patients and families sometimes have when coping with cancer. They are normal responses to the stress of cancer, especially when the cancer is first diagnosed.
Learn more about the signs of anxiety and stressPatient Education
Cancer is not one disease but a group of many related diseases, but all types of cancer have one thing in common: They are life changing. Our Patient Navigators will work with you to provide information and education on your specific type of cancer. Knowledge is powerful and understanding your condition is the first step to becoming engaged in your care and an advocate for your health.
Learn more about different types of cancer.