Information for the public

Making decisions about your care

Making decisions about your care

You should be part of all decisions about your care so you can agree which treatments are likely to suit you. Your care team should involve you by:

  • talking to you about non‑Hodgkin lymphoma and listening to your concerns, so that they understand what is most important to you

  • making sure you have all the information you need to help you make decisions about your treatment and care

  • giving you information in the right way for you, at the times when you need it

  • explaining if they think something that is mentioned here won't work for you and why, and discussing other options you could try instead

  • making sure you have a named 'key worker' as soon as you are diagnosed, who you can talk to about any concerns or questions during your treatment

  • giving you contact details for the care team after your treatment finishes, in case you need to get in touch.

There is more information about how you should be involved in your care on our website.

Who will look after me?

A range of professionals may be part of your care team. These could include:

  • haematologists – doctors who specialise in blood conditions, including lymphoma

  • oncologists – doctors who specialise in cancer, including lymphoma

  • specialist nurses

  • pharmacists

  • radiologists – doctors who examine scans of the body

  • surgeons.

Information about tests and scans

Your care team should explain the tests and scans that you might have and tell you:

  • what each one is for and why it is important

  • what it involves.

They should also explain this information to any family members or carers who are supporting you, if you are happy with this.

Talking about how lymphoma will affect your life

Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma can affect many parts of your life. Your care team should talk to you about this. Having lymphoma affects people in different ways, and what is very important to one person may be less important to another. You may want to discuss things like:

  • keeping up a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, from your diagnosis onwards

  • support with money and any benefits you might be entitled to

  • what support groups are available

  • wellbeing services, and how to get psychological support if you need it

  • any worries about how your illness may affect your sex life

  • your fertility (whether you can have children) after treatment.

Questions you could ask your care team

  • Who will I see at my appointments?

  • Who should I contact if I have any questions or worries?

  • What changes could I make to my lifestyle to improve my wellbeing?

  • Can you give me more information, like a leaflet, or a website I can go to?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • What support and information is available for my family and carers?

  • Information Standard