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?
If there is something in this article you have particularly
liked, you can e-mail a note to yourself as a reminder. Learn
more about how to send a note to yourself, or create
a note now.
What
specific type and stage of cancer do I have? 
If there is something in this article you have particularly
liked, you can e-mail a note to yourself as a reminder.