Step 4: Analyze the benefits versus the risks

Compare the benefits and risks of the different cancer treatments to decide which treatments fall within your goals. Rate the treatments you're considering based on the pros and cons of each.

Some aspects you'll want to consider for each treatment include:

• Side effects. Take time to review the side effects of each treatment and decide whether they'll be worth enduring or too much to handle. Your doctor can give you a good idea of how common the various side effects are for each treatment and explain options for managing side effects to make treatment more tolerable.
• How treatment affects your life. Consider how treatment will affect your everyday life. How will you get to your treatments? How often will you need to go? Will you need a day off work or several weeks off? How will your role in your family change? Will you need to travel for your treatment?
• The financial costs of treatment. Investigate the costs of each treatment option. Will you be required to pay some of or all of the costs? Can you afford it? Are assistance programs available? The clinic or hospital where you receive care may have a business office that can answer some of these questions.
• Your health in general. If you have other health conditions, ask your doctor how treatment will affect those conditions.

Your personal values and goals will make a difference in what treatments are best for you. Only you can decide what type of treatment will fit best in your life. But you don't have to make a choice and stick with it. It's very possible that you may change your mind during treatment, and that's fine.