MIRECC / CoE

New Guide for Taking Charge of VA Cancer Care

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VA Cancer Care Commander: Taking Charge of Your Cancer Care

Developers: Mary E. Nikityn, PsyD, JD; Ali A. Asghar-Ali, MD; Jennifer L. Bryan, PhD.

This guide shows ways to navigate the cancer care journey from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

• The guide has six sections:
• Starting Your Cancer Care Journey: Gives an overview of questions you might have and the purpose of the guide.
• Your VA Cancer Care Team: Introduces the members of your VA Cancer Care Team. It’s a way to learn about different roles and what resources are available.
• Getting Started with Treatment: Provides an overview of the logistics—getting to appointments and what happens there.
• What If I Need More Help with…? Includes common needs and concerns you may have during cancer treatment—from Advance Directives to video visits—and resources that can help with each.
• What If My VA Doesn’t Have That? Gives information about how VA works with other hospitals and services to make sure you get the care you need.
• Tools for You to Personalize: Provides tools for you to keep track of your health care team, prepare questions for your team, and personalize your survivorship plan with your health care team.
• This guide answers many questions commonly asked by Veterans on their cancer care journeys.
• Published 2024

Download Guide

Last updated: February 3, 2025