Prognosis is the prediction of how a disease or health condition may progress.
Tips & Links
A prognosis can include how long the condition might last, chances for recovery or complications, and/or the prediction in months or years of how long a person might live. Any prognosis depends on the type of disease and how your body responds to treatment.
Learn About
- Ask for clear explanations from your physician about your condition, treatment options, expected outcomes, and the impact on your daily life.
- Use research-based websites, such as government health portals or medical organizations, to learn more about your condition and prognosis.
- Ask for a second opinion, if needed, to confirm your prognosis and explore additional options or treatments.
- Learn about coping with a new diagnosis and life altering change from the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Know that a prognosis is an estimate, and your experience can change based on many factors, including treatment and lifestyle.
- Learn about the differences between palliative care and hospice care.
- Review treatment options being recommended to you by your physician or specialist by asking questions like those suggested by Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- Learn what treatment options are available to you, such as medications, therapies, lifestyle changes, and/or surgery.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Consider naming a health advocate who can help navigate the health care system and provide guidance.
- Connect with others facing similar conditions to learn from their experiences and coping strategies.
- Explore condition-specific support groups listed by Family-Caregivers of BC.
- Seek out non-profit or condition-specific groups for information and support such as Alzheimer Society of BC,BC Cancer, BC Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis Canada, and many more.
- Consider seeking counselling from private (fee for service) or subsidized programs to help you explore your feelings and emotions. For a list of professionals visit Counselling BC.
Mywell Health helps you learn about and organize your health information in one place. Add your prognosis and health conditions information into your Health Profile fillable PDF tool. Scan health information and save into print and/or digital files in My Health Information.