Cancer Questions before treatment

Download these questions : Cancer Questions

These are questions that you should ask your doctor

General cancer questions

• What is the name of my cancer?
• Which parts of my body are affected?
• Is it possible to completely cure my cancer?

Questions about cancer investigations

• Why are you doing this test?
• What will this investigation involve?
• What information will you get?
• How accurate is this test?
• What are the risks to me in this test?
• Will the results of this test make any difference to the treatment you provide?
• What are the results of tests I have already had?
• What stage is my cancer?

Questions about cancer treatment

• What is the aim of treatment that is being suggested?
• • is it to cure?
  • is it for temporary control?
  • is it to reduce symptoms?
• What is the chance of the treatment working?
• What will happen if I have no treatment?
• How long before I know if treatment is working?
• What difference will this treatment make to my quality of life – can I work, have sex, etc.?
• Will I receive cancer treatment as an outpatient or be admitted to hospital?
• How is the treatment given?
• How does the treatment work?
• How much will these treatments cost?
• What else can I do to help treatment?
• What if this treatment does not work?

Side effects of treatment

• What are the possible side effects of treatment?
• Can these side effects be prevented or controlled?
• Are the side effects temporary or permanent, and how long will they last?

Participating in clinical trials

• Are there any clinical trials suitable for me?
• What are the benefits of the trial that you suggest for me?