Based on a review of survivorship research and writing, Elizabeth Clark and Ellen Stovall identified four primary, but interconnected areas, in which self-advocacy skills are essential: information-seeking, communication, problem-solving and negotiation. These skills can be self-taught and The Cancer Survival Toolbox® , developed by NCCS and several professional organizations, provides self-help assistance on these and other topics.
Information Seeking skills are developed by educating yourself as thoroughly as possible about your cancer, your treatment options, possible side effects and available support services. You have probably heard the tagline for a national retailer that states “an informed consumer is our best customer.” This is especially true when dealing with cancer.

Communication skills development is designed to help you organize your thoughts before you speak. Your communication skills can be applied to thoughtful interactions with your family, friends and caregivers, thereby increasing your knowledge and avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. The How to Talk to Your Doctor section on this site addresses many of the concerns and questions that you may have and provides a guide for effectively communicating them to others.

Problem-Solving skills can be also thought of as decision-making skills and are essential to the process of becoming an active, rather than passive, survivor. It is important to identify the problem and know how to articulate it – whether or not to have treatment and, if so, what type of treatment; considering a clinical trial; what physician to choose; and so on. Do not feel that you have to make decisions alone. The team approach often serves as the best way to tackle a problem.

Negotiation skills are necessary in every aspect of life, whether dealing with cancer or any other challenging life circumstances. Some of us are better at negotiation than others, but all of us can achieve some degree of skill in this area. Negotiating in order to get your needs met may require you to step out of your normal comfort zone. This does not mean that you become confrontational, but rather that you negotiate about issues that are of personal importance such as the accommodation of unconventional hours at your office or persuading your insurance company to cover a test or procedure.

Being proactive: Apply these skills – Now that you know why self-advocacy is important and how to acquire the necessary skills, you must actively apply them to your personal experience.