What are advance directives?

Advance directives are legal papers that tell your loved ones and doctors what to do for you if you can't tell them yourself. They are a key part of planning ahead when you have advanced cancer.

Filling out advance directives keeps you in control of how you want to be treated, and lets you choose who you want to be in charge of your care. By completing them, you make your wishes known for everyone to follow. This can also give your loved ones peace of mind, since they won't have to guess what you would have wanted during a difficult time.

Completing advance directives is one part of a larger effort to reduce the financial, legal, and emotional burdens your family may face later. Other steps in that planning can include checking with your insurance company before starting a new treatment or hospice, organizing your important records, and, if it feels right, planning a funeral or memorial service.

For many people, it's hard to bring up these subjects, but talking about them now can help avoid problems later. A lawyer or financial planner can help you make sure you've taken the right steps, and your health care team can point you toward more detailed information on advance directives.