Taking the Next Steps with Confidence and Care
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, surprising, and deeply personal. At Beverly Hills Cancer Center (BHCC), we understand both the emotional weight and the urgency you’re facing. Our goal is to support you from day one — not only with world-class care but with clarity, compassion, and a structured path forward.
Here are the important first steps you should consider if you’ve just been told you have cancer:
1. Pause & Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s absolutely normal to feel shock, fear, confusion, or even denial. Give yourself permission to feel. You don’t have to rush straight into treatment decisions before you’re ready. Recognising how you feel is the first step in getting centred.
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Take a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts.
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Write down what you’ve been told: what type of cancer, where it is, and what next steps were suggested.
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Reach out for support — a trusted friend, family member, or professional counsellor can help you navigate emotionally.
2. Get Clear and Complete Information
Knowledge is power — especially at this early stage. At BHCC, our diagnostic and imaging capabilities (including full imaging, lab work, and genetic/molecular testing) mean that your cancer can be understood in detail.
Questions to ask:
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What type of cancer is it? What is the stage and location?
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What testing has already been done? Are there more tests to complete the diagnosis or staging?
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Are there any genetic or molecular tests we should do (e.g., to look for mutations or biomarkers)? BHCC offers advanced molecular genetic testing and precision medicine.
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What is the proposed treatment timeline? Are there immediate risks or urgent needs?
3. Seek a Second Opinion or Multi-disciplinary Review
Even if your diagnosis seems clear, it’s wise to obtain a second opinion or ensure your case is reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team. At BHCC, you benefit from a hand-picked team of specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, imaging, hematology, and more.
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Ask if your case will be discussed by a tumour board (a team of specialists).
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Ensure that imaging and pathology are reviewed by experienced subspecialists.
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Use this as a chance to explore alternative treatment approaches or clinical trials.
4. Understand Your Treatment Options
Cancer care today is not one-size-fits-all. You’ll want to understand what options exist — conventional treatments, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, integrative/holistic approaches — and choose the approach that fits your goals, health status, lifestyle, and preferences.
At BHCC, we emphasize a full-spectrum approach: “Our integrative approach goes well beyond traditional cancer treatment to include nutrition, acupuncture, psychotherapy, and massage therapy.”
Consider:
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What treatments are standard for your cancer type and stage?
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Are there newer or clinical-trial options available? BHCC emphasises clinical research.
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What are the expected side effects and recovery timelines?
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How will treatment affect your quality of life (work, family, travel)?
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What integrative/holistic supports exist (nutrition, psychosocial care, complementary therapies)?
5. Assemble Your Care Team & Support Network
Your care will go beyond just the doctor and the treatment machine. The right support network helps you navigate every dimension—medical, emotional, practical.
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At BHCC, you’ll have access to in-house resources: imaging, diagnostics, lab, pharmacy, infusion centre—all conveniently in one facility.
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Ask: Who is your care coordinator or nurse navigator? Who will you contact for questions?
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Line up your personal support: friends or family who can help with appointments, transportation, meals, and emotional support.
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Consider support services: counselling, support groups, nutritionist, wellness programs.
6. Make Practical Preparations
While starting treatment is the priority, there are practical matters to address early so you are less distracted during treatment:
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Insurance and financial planning: Make sure coverage is in place, ask about payment options, and what your centre offers. BHCC’s resources section includes patient payment information.
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Document organization: Keep copies of pathology reports, imaging, test results, and treatment recommendations.
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Lifestyle & wellness preparation: Sleep well, nourish your body as best you can, and stay as active as your doctor permits. A strong base helps you tolerate treatment more effectively.
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Advance care planning: Consider whether you need a durable power of attorney or an advance directive—it doesn’t assume the worst, it simply ensures your wishes are respected.
7. Commit to Your Healing Journey
Cancer treatment is not just a medical event — it’s a journey of healing, resilience, and transformation. At BHCC, the mission is clear: “treating not only the body, but the mind & spirit as well.” Keep communication open with your team — ask questions, voice your concerns, and track any symptoms.
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Be your own advocate — you know your body best.
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Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your questions, your lifestyle choices.
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Celebrate small wins: completing a scan, finishing a round, maintaining energy, or simply making it through the day.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve just learned you have cancer, you are not alone. While this moment is undoubtedly serious, today is also the first day of action. You’ve taken the first step. At Beverly Hills Cancer Center, our promise is to walk each subsequent step with you — combining advanced science, personalized care, and whole-person support.
Call us at (877) 320-5131 or use our online appointment request to get started.
Let’s begin together.