Questions to Ask Your Physician

You should feel comfortable enough to have open discussions with your physician or cancer care team. Here are some questions you may want to ask.

• What is my diagnosis? What type of cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread to lymph nodes or internal organs?
• What is the stage of my disease? How does it affect my treatment options and prognosis?
• What are my treatment choices? Which would you recommend for me? Why?
• What are the chances that my treatment will be successful?
• Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• What are the risks and side effects of each treatment?
• Will I be able to drive myself home from my treatment sessions?
• How long will the treatments last?
• What should I do to get ready for treatment?
• Will I have to change my normal activities?
• Should I follow a special diet?
• What will the treatment cost?
• Will I be able to have children after my treatment?
• What are the chances of recurrence of cancer with the treatment programs we have discussed?
• How will I cope? How will my family cope?

Write down any other questions that occur to you. Consider asking a close friend or family member to accompany you. He or she can take notes or help ask questions during your visit.