Being your own advocate: Navigating the treatment journey for ovarian or breast cancer

By AbbVie November 06, 2024

If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer, you may feel overwhelmed by what it means for you. It could feel like you’ve lost control—but learning how to be your own advocate can help you face the challenges.

What does it really mean to advocate for yourself when living with cancer?

When it comes to cancer, self-advocacy is how you communicate your preferences, needs, and values to the people who are helping care for you right now—from your medical team to your family members.

Being your own advocate doesn’t mean you’re working against anyone. Instead, it’s about participating as an equal member of your care team and support network, especially when it comes to important decisions about your health.

Here are some ways to advocate for yourself if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

Learn as much as you can to make informed decisions

Cancer can feel complicated, but gaining knowledge about your disease and potential treatment options can help you make decisions based on what’s most appropriate for you. For starters, you and your doctor will talk about what treatment options and strategies are available to you throughout your journey. Together, you will decide which course of action works best for your disease, your priorities, and your life. In addition, consider discussing the following topics with your healthcare team:

Ask your doctor about any relevant biomarkers for your cancer. Biomarkers are certain materials in your cells that could tell doctors more about what’s going on in your body. Different biomarkers can be tested for before, at, or any time after a diagnosis
Understand what treatment options are available for you. Some biomarkers for ovarian and breast cancer can help doctors understand how well you may respond to certain targeted treatments
Learn about potential side effects of the treatment options you’re considering. Having this knowledge can help you prepare to manage them with your care team if potential side effects occur

Communicate and connect with the people around you

You’re not alone in this journey, even if it may feel that way at times—and learning how to communicate and connect with the people around you are crucial steps in advocating for yourself. Here are some actions you can take:

Jot down a list of questions before each appointment to ask your doctor. This can help you understand what’s happening and help you make decisions together with your care team
Share your opinions with your doctor. Be open with your doctor about any hesitations or different viewpoints, so you can both be on the same page
Be vocal about what you need from your family and friends. Advocating for yourself throughout the cancer journey involves letting people help you—and letting them know how they can best help you
Join an online or in-person support group. There are many in-person and online groups, like Sharsheret, that you can connect with to find strength in mutual support during this time

Advocating for yourself

If you’re feeling unsure about how to begin advocating for yourself, the tips above can offer some good places to start.

And remember, there is no single way to advocate for yourself throughout your treatment journey for ovarian cancer or breast cancer—you need to do what feels right for you, when it feels right for you.

Information provided by Sharsheret is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider.

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