Top 10 Treatment-Related Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What questions should you ask your doctor about treatment? Here are ten of the most important questions, with practical tips for asking them.
When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, it can be overwhelming to figure out what questions to ask your doctor. You may have many thoughts flooding your mind all at once about your treatment options or potential side effects.
The good news is that there are some treatment-related questions you should always ask your doctor at your appointment, no matter the type of cancer you have. We put together this list to help patients recently diagnosed with cancer navigate their treatment plan.
On this page…
- What are my treatment options?
- Which treatment do you recommend and why?
- What's the goal of my treatment?
- What are the possible side effects of my treatment?
- How often will I have treatments, and for how long?
- What can I do to prepare for treatment?
- Are there clinical trial options available?
- How will treatment affect my daily life?
- How will you decide whether the treatment is effective, and how long will it take to see results?
- Can you recommend any resources that will help me learn more about my treatment?
What are my treatment options?
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common cancer treatments. Other options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Knowing the common ways to treat your disease will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
Which treatment do you recommend and why?
While some cancers may require surgery, others may respond better to radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Some cancers might even rely purely on observation rather than intervention. Your doctor can help decide what’s right for your situation.
What’s the goal of my treatment?
The main goals of cancer treatment are (1) to remove as much cancer as possible from the body, and (2) to prevent the cancer from coming back. However, depending on the type and stage of your cancer, your doctor may set other goals with you, such as managing your cancer symptoms or improving your nutrition and lifestyle habits.
What are the possible side effects of my treatment?
When cancer treatments affect healthy tissues and organs, they can cause unwanted side effects that vary from person to person. Your doctor can tell you which side effects you should expect from your particular treatment plan. Some common side effects include pain, fatigue, and hair loss. Ask your doctor if there are medications you can take to prevent or reduce the severity of side effects.
How often will I have treatments, and for how long?
Once you and your doctor decide on the treatment that is right for you, your cancer care team will implement a treatment plan. This process involves both planning (which can include surgical planning and/or determining the exact doses and length of the treatment) and scheduling (working out the optimal timing for administering the treatment). Ask your doctor to walk you through your treatment plan at one of your regular appointments.
Healthcare Disclaimer
We encourage you to speak with your doctor if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your symptoms and treatment. While this information provides a helpful guide, it does not replace consultation with your healthcare provider.
What can I do to prepare for treatment?
Depending on your treatment plan, there may be certain steps you must take to prepare for what’s ahead. For example, you may need to arrange transportation to and from your treatments or modify your current medication regimen. Your doctor might also encourage you to start practicing healthy lifestyle habits (e.g. diet, exercise, meditation, yoga) to take care of your mental health and well-being throughout your treatment.
Are there clinical trial options available?
You might have the option to enroll in a clinical trial (a research study that explores new treatments available in a very organized and scientific way) as part of your treatment plan. Like any treatment option, clinical trials have their own benefits and risks. If you are willing to participate in a clinical trial, ask your doctor if there is one you can join, and whether enrolling might be the right decision for you.
How will treatment affect my daily life?
You may wonder to what extent your cancer treatment will alter your daily life. Can you still exercise regularly? Can you still go to work? Depending on your plan, your treatment might keep you busy, or you may feel more fatigued than usual. Ask your doctor how your treatment might affect your day-to-day routine, so you can be prepared for any potential changes.
How will you decide whether the treatment is effective, and how long will it take to see results?
Your doctor will perform tests throughout your treatment to see if your cancer has grown, gotten smaller or stayed the same. Common tests include blood tests and imaging tests (e.g. CT, MRI, and PET scans). Which tests you get may depend on your particular cancer and treatment plan. It is important to note that not all cancer treatments work at the same speed, and the time it takes to see results varies from patient to patient.
Can you recommend any resources that will help me learn more about my treatment?
There are many books, websites, and other resources on cancer treatment available to the public. Your doctor may know of educational and trustworthy materials that you can use to learn more about your treatment. In addition, your doctor may be able to connect you with patients who have been through similar treatment(s) during their own cancer journeys.
Sources
- Newly diagnosed cancer patients: Questions to ask your health care team • MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Cancer Diagnosis • MedicineNet.com
- Before You Begin Cancer Treatment • WebMD Cancer Center
- How Treatment Is Planned And Scheduled • American Cancer Society
- Side Effects of Cancer Treatment • NIH National Cancer Institute
- 5 Questions to Ask When You’ve Been Diagnosed with Cancer • Riverside Health System
- Cancer Treatments • MedlinePlus
- Clinical Trials Information for Patients and Caregivers • NIH National Cancer Institute
- Daily life during treatment • Canadian Cancer Society
- How do you know if your cancer treatment is working? • WebMD Cancer Center
Hey, Wait!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news and promotions.
newsletter
Hey, Wait!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news and promotions.
newsletter
