Different cancer treatments create different emergency information needs. Only complete fields that apply to you, using the documents and wording supplied by your team.
Systemic anti-cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and other systemic anti-cancer treatments may have serious side effects. Alert cards commonly identify the treatment or regimen, consultant or treatment area, and a 24-hour advice number. Some warn of neutropenic sepsis or other treatment complications.
Lines and implanted ports
If you have a PICC, Hickman line, implanted port or another access device, record its type, location and only the handling or access instructions given by your team. Do not add guessed flushing, needle or dressing instructions.
Radioactive treatments and seed implants
Some molecular radiotherapy, radioiodine and brachytherapy treatments come with a card that states the radionuclide or implant, treatment date, restrictions, specialist contact information and how long the card must be carried. These periods vary. Copy the date from your own card and keep carrying the original.
Review after every change
Update the profile after a new regimen, medicine, hospital contact, access device, radiation restriction or revised alert card. Remove information only when the treating team confirms it is no longer relevant.
Important: this guide is for recording information, not deciding treatment. Contact the cancer team for personalised advice and call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.