Step 2: Decide on a goal

Deciding what you want out of treatment can help you narrow your treatment choices. Are you hoping for a cure, stabilization or solely symptom relief?

Depending on your cancer type and stage, your goals for treatment might be:

• Cure. When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure. Ask your doctor about your chances for a cure to help you understand more about your situation.
• Control. If your cancer is at a later stage or if previous treatments have been unsuccessful, you might adjust your goal to controlling your cancer. Different treatments may attempt to temporarily shrink your cancer or stop it from growing. If this is your goal, you might not be willing to endure the side effects of harsher treatments.
• Comfort. If you have an advanced stage of cancer or a cancer that hasn't responded to treatments, you might decide that comfort is most important to you. You and your doctor will work together to make sure you are free of pain and other symptoms. Services such as hospice care and palliative care might be helpful for you.