You have been referred to the Department of Oncology at Rigshospitalet. 

We would like to know what is important to you and your relatives, so we can help you in the best possible way. 

Preparation for your first appointment at the clinic 

We recommend that you prepare for your first appointment with us. Consider what expectations you have and, if you want, consult a relative or a friend. Consider which topics are important to you. We would like to hear your thoughts, wishes, and preferences related to your cancer disease. 

Inspiration for topics that might be important to discuss 

• Information about your course of disease and treatment 
• What are the experiences of other patients?  
• How much information about treatment and your prognosis do you want to have? 
• The goal(s) of your treatment and care 
• Side effects - short-term and long-term 
• Appointment schedules, duration of treatment 
• Opportunities to work, your rights regarding financial support etc. 
• What can you do? Diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies 
• What is the appropriate information for your children? 
• Other health problems, future dreams, quality of life etc. 

You can find more information and inspiration on the Danish Cancer Society’s site: Questions to the doctor  
 
Please write down your questions. Otherwise, it may be difficult to remember everything. Most people find it helpful to have a relative or friend to join the conversation. 
You are welcome to make an audio recording of your appointment with your telephone or tape recorder. Simply notify the staff. Please note that you may not share or disclose recordings to anyone other than the persons participating in the conversation unless everyone present has given written consent. 

Treatments 

There may be different goals with the treatment offered to you. It depends on the disease and your condition. 
  
Healing (curative) treatment. The purpose of this treatment is to remove the cancer in the body. 

Preventive (adjuvant) treatment. Any treatment you can be offered after surgery. The purpose is to decrease the risk of the cancer returning in the future (recurrence). 
 
Treatment before surgery (neoadjuvant). The purpose of the treatment is to reduce (or stabilize) the size or spread of the tumor so that surgery or radiotherapy will be possible afterward. The goal may also be to reduce the risk of recurrence of the cancer after treatment. 

Palliative treatment 

This is any treatment you get when the cancer is widespread and curative treatment is not possible. Treatment may increase the quality of life and be life-prolonging. 

Your care team 

During your first appointment at the clinic, you will be assigned a physician responsible for your treatment and a nurse who is responsible for your care. The treating physician is an experienced specialist who has the overall responsibility for your treatment.  

Our aim is for you to be seen by the physician, who is responsible for you at your first appointment in the clinic, and at later meetings, where the issues relevant to continuing the treatment will be discussed. At other consultations and treatments, you may also be seen by the other staff members. 

In all important decisions, concerning your disease and treatment, your treatment team, together with you, will evaluate the options. In our experience, the best possible involvement, your wishes, helps to create security, control and an understanding of the whole picture for you and your family. 

If you are examined and treated in other departments, one of the physicians from there is responsible for your treatment. 

Contact the department 

Feel free to call us or write to us via MinSP. Your inquiry will initially be addressed by a secretary or nurse, who will then inquire about your case. This is to enable you to get the right help. 

Further Information  

If you and your family have any questions during the waiting period between referral to our clinic and the first appointment, you can contact a Care Coordinator. They may be helpful in matters regarding treatment, planning, correspondence between departments and so on. 

Read more about Care Coordinators:
Forløbskoordinatorer i Afdeling for Kræftbehandling (rigshospitalet.dk)

Research 

You may be asked if you would like to participate in one of our research projects. Research is essential in order to constantly improve our treatments and care. Participation is completely voluntary. Participation always requires written informed consent. 
The research can be supported by public or private foundations, the pharmaceutical industry, or by donations. 

Ask the staff if you want to know more. 

Practical information  

• Visit out site: Afdeling for Kræftbehandling (rigshospitalet.dk) 
• Read your patient journal online 
• Rules about smoking 
• Rules for free transport and transport expenses