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Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of glioblastoma. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
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Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

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Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

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Glioblastoma
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Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Glioblastoma
  • Q.

    A family member has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and I want to make sure he is going to get the best care possible. How can I find out about the best places that treat brain tumors?

    A.

    There are many factors to consider when choosing a treatment center, and it’s important to weigh all of your options before deciding which treatment center is right for you or your loved one. While many treatment centers provide excellent care for patients diagnosed with cancer, you will want a center that has experience treating brain tumors. Important questions to ask include:

    • How many brain tumor patients does the treatment center diagnose and treat per year?
    • How many tumors has your doctor treated and what are your doctor’s credentials?
    • Does the treatment center have a specialized neurology department including neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation therapists, as well as other specialists?
    • Does the treatment center have a brain tumor board (a board of specialists who regularly meet to discuss patients, their treatment and their overall health)?
    • Does the treatment center have the appropriate technology to provide optimal care including imaging equipment?
    • Does the treatment center participate in clinical trials? Clinical trials are research studies that provide new treatments to patients through medications or other therapies. These studies answer important medical questions related to cancer treatments and also may provide important health benefits to patients participating in the trial.

    Rehabilitation services are also an important part of treatment for patients diagnosed with brain tumors. Patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in speech, memory or motor skills as a result of the tumor. Rehabilitation therapy can help tremendously with these side effects. Rehabilitation specialists include speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Questions to ask the treatment center include:

    • What rehabilitation services are provided?
    • If services are not provided at the treatment center, what referrals does the center provide?

    Comprehensive care is an important factor when choosing a treatment center, as a brain tumor diagnosis can affect many aspects of a patient’s life. The idea behind comprehensive care is that all of the patient’s needs are treated, which can include financial, medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You may want to ask:

    • Aside from medical treatment, what other comprehensive services does the treatment center provide?
    • Does the treatment center provide support services to both patients and caregivers including counseling, support groups and spiritual support?
    • Are workshops, literature related to care or other learning possibilities available at the treatment center?
    • Is financial support or referrals for financial assistance available?

    For further information on finding a treatment center please contact the following organizations:

    And finally, these CancerCare publications might be helpful:

    Photo of Sarah Kelly Answered by
    Sarah Kelly, MSW, LCSW-R

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:
    brain cancerglioblastoma
  • Q.

    I'm trying to compile resources for a close friend whose husband was diagnosed recently with glioblastoma. Could you share what you think are resources that could be helpful for her? Any places that could help with financial or help support them?

    A.

    First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your loved one’s recent brain cancer diagnosis. CancerCare offers online support groups for both patients and caregivers, which he/she may find helpful. If she is in the New York/New Jersey area, he/she may sign up for individual counseling to cope with being impacted by a brain cancer diagnosis. I would encourage your friend to call the CancerCare Hopeline (800-813-4673) to get connected to possible financial resources that could be of support. They may also search our Online Helping Hand Database for practical resources.

    Another organization he/she might find helpful is the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). They have a peer matching program where he/she can be connected to another caregiver and get support one on one that way.

    Photo of Paige Soleimani Answered by
    Paige Soleimani, MSW, LMSW, Oncology Social Worker

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:
    brain cancerglioblastoma

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