Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Your doctor is there to help you. Never feel afraid to ask questions — an informed patient is an empowered patient.
When you're sitting in front of your oncologist, it's easy to go blank. This list of questions will help you get the information you need. Print it, bring it to your appointment, and take notes.
💡 Tips for Your Appointment
- ✓Write your questions down before the appointment
- ✓Bring a family member or friend to help take notes
- ✓Ask the doctor to explain in simpler terms if you don't understand
- ✓It's OK to ask the same question more than once
- ✓Ask for printed materials or trusted websites for more information
- ✓Record the appointment on your phone (with the doctor's permission)
🔬About Your Diagnosis
- 1What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
- 2Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
- 3What tests were done to determine this, and can I see the results?
- 4Is this type of cancer hereditary? Should my family be screened?
- 5What is the prognosis — what can I realistically expect?
💊About Treatment Options
- 1What treatment do you recommend and why?
- 2Are there other treatment options I should consider?
- 3What is the goal of this treatment — cure, control, or relief?
- 4How long will treatment last?
- 5Should I get a second opinion?
- 6Is there a clinical trial that might be appropriate for me?
⚠️About Side Effects
- 1What side effects should I expect from this treatment?
- 2How can side effects be managed or reduced?
- 3Will I lose my hair? Will it grow back?
- 4Will treatment affect my ability to work?
- 5Will treatment affect my fertility?
- 6When should I call you about a side effect instead of waiting?
📝Practical Questions
- 1How much will the full treatment cost?
- 2Is this treatment available at a government hospital?
- 3Can I continue working during treatment?
- 4Are there dietary restrictions during treatment?
- 5Can I travel during treatment?
- 6What financial assistance programmes are available to me?
🔄Follow-up & Recovery
- 1What happens after treatment ends?
- 2How often will I need follow-up visits?
- 3What signs of recurrence should I watch for?
- 4Will I need ongoing medication?
- 5What lifestyle changes can reduce my risk of recurrence?
- 6When can I return to normal activities?