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What to Ask Your Doctor

By Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT

If you want to make informed treatment decisions, you need to ask your doctor many questions, especially those listed below. In fact, we recommend you print this page and check each item you have already discussed with your doctor, unless it clearly does not apply to you. Then make certain you take this with you when you go for your next visit and cover the items you haven't yet checked.

What specific type and stage of cancer do I have?

Will you review with me the National Cancer Institute's Physicians Data Query (PDQ) on the latest information on my type and stage of cancer?

How much time can we reasonably take for making a decision without jeopardizing effective treatment? (See Mind Your PDQs -- They're Important Resources)

Where do you recommend I can go for a second opinion? (If the answer implies you don't need a second opinion, seriously consider getting another doctor.)

What is the goal of the treatment you recommend, that is, are you working for a cure, shrinking the tumor so it can be treated by other means, reducing pain, or preventing complications?

What restrictions should I make to my diet during or after treatment?

If I have special dietary needs, can you recommend a nutrition specialist?

What are the most likely side effects that might occur during or after a diagnostic test or treatment and the symptoms that would signal such an event?

What can you and I do to lessen side effects of treatment, such as nausea, constipation, hair loss, depression, water retention and skin problems?

What tests and treatments will hurt or be uncomfortable and what can we do to prevent or lessen that discomfort?

Are there any short-term and long-term risks for tests or treatment you recommend, such as infertility or scarring and what can we do to prevent or lessen those complications?

What can I do during treatment to prevent infections and avoid contagious diseases?

What special precautions should I take to keep my blood count within reasonable levels and what symptoms might indicate I have an infection?

Is there is any printed material available on the drug I am taking?

What specific instructions can you give concerning medication, such as whether I should take the entire prescription or only use it until I feel better and under what circumstances should I get a prescription refilled?