Finding out you have cancer is devastating news. It can be difficult to know what to ask your doctor when you’re still in a state of emotional shock! Here’s a list of questions you may find useful so as to understand how your cancer diagnosis will affect you.

It may be useful to bring along a family member, partner, or close friend when you visit the doctor as it’s difficult to remember everything. A notepad or recording device can also help. Keep all the information you collect in a file for future reference. Remember that knowledge is power, so ask as many questions as you need until you fully understand your diagnosis and the options available to you.

If you’re not happy with the way the doctor is communicating with you, or you’re unsure about the information they are providing, it is well within your rights to seek a second opinion. It is important that you trust the person that will be treating you – after all, they have your life in their hands!

Diagnosis

What kind of cancer do I have?

How does the cancer affect my body?

In your opinion, what is my prognosis?

Can you recommend another specialist experienced with this kind of cancer to provide a second opinion?

Treatment

What tests and treatment do I need to get rid of it?

What is the success rate of this line of treatment?

What are the pros and cons of treatment? What if I decide not have treatment?

Are there other treatment options for me to consider?

How long will treatment take?

How long will I be in hospital?

Do I have a choice about when to begin treatment?

How much experience do you have treating patients with my disease? Have you treated many patients my age?

What are the common side effects of the treatment? Will I be in pain?

How are the drugs administered?

Will I need any surgery?

Will this line of treatment affect my fertility? What can be done to protect it?

Are clinical trials (research studies) available? Where can I get more information about clinical trials?

Can I keep medical records of my treatment and test results?

Care

If I’m unsure about anything, how can I best contact you? (By phone? By email? At a particular time?)

Will I have full access to a care co-ordinator, social worker, psychologist, physiotherapist, dietician, and other supportive staff?

Who will be co-ordinating my treatment and care?

If I have difficulties, when should I contact you and when should I contact my GP?

How do I access psychosocial and supportive care for myself and my family?

Do I have to stay in hospital for treatment?

Can my parents/ partner stay with me if I have to be in hospital overnight?

Will my friends be able to visit?

Are there any restrictions on visitations?

Are there any restrictions on my movements around the hospital?

Are there any dietary restrictions when in hospital?

Life changes

Will I be able to continue studying/ working throughout treatment?

Can you direct me to a person who can help me negotiate my school/ university/ work situation?

Will I be able to continue living independently?

Is there anything I can do to help me get better? Should I eat differently? Should I exercise?

What are your thoughts about complementary therapies? Are there any you would advise against?

Will drinking alcohol effect my treatment? Can I go to parties/ nightclubs?

Can I be intimate with my partner? Are there any ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’?

Can I be around animals and pets?

Is there any more information that I can take home with me so I know more about the cancer/ treatment/ looking after myself?

Will I have any permanent scarring or physical changes? Will my hair grow back?

Is there anything you or the surgeons can do to minimise the scarring, such a placing any central lines (intravenous tubes) in places which will be hidden by clothing?

How can I get in contact with others my age affected by cancer?

The Future

Will I have any long-term effects of the cancer or treatment?

What is my long-term follow up plan? Who co-ordinates this?

If the treatment works, what are the chances that the cancer will return?

Is there anything I can do to minimise the risk of recurrence?

Will my lifestyle be affected by my cancer experience? For example, will I be able to work full-time, have kids, travel etc?

Who do I contact if I have difficulties in the future regarding my physical or emotional health even when it may not appear to be cancer-related?