Studies show that people with cancer who are fully informed about their disease and treatment options usually tend to fare better and experience fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. Being informed gives you some control over your disease and may help your emotional well-being. Some people can feel overwhelmed by too much information or do not want to know as many details about their condition. It is important for you to identify how much information is right for you.

Getting answers to your questions

Your doctor should make time to answer your questions and explain various treatment options. The following tips can help you communicate better with your doctor.

• Tell your doctor if you are having trouble understanding an explanation, description, or unfamiliar medical words. Sometimes, the doctor may be able to draw a picture or give an example.
  
  
• Consider writing your questions down before your appointment, which can lower your level of stress and help make the most of your visit.
  
  
• Bring a notebook or a tape recorder to the appointment. During the appointment, write down your doctor's answers, or ask a family member or friend to write them down for you. This way, you can read or listen to the information later.
  
  
• Be patient. It may take a few meetings with the doctor before you begin to understand each other.
  
  
• Ask your doctor or nurse where you can find printed material about your condition. Many offices have this information readily available.
  
  The Internet can be very helpful for people who are seeking information about their type of cancer, or those who are making decisions about their treatment. However, it is important to consider the reputation of the organization posting information, as not all information on the Internet is accurate. Like cancer information found in books, magazines, or newspaper articles, information on the Internet should be used for informational purposes only. If you have questions about the information you find, please talk with your doctor. Learn more about Evaluating Cancer Information on the Internet.
  
  
• If you are interested in seeking a second opinion, let your doctor know. Most doctors fully understand the value of a second opinion and are not offended when patients seek one. They may even be able to suggest another doctor.

Suggested questions to ask the doctor

An important part of managing your care is knowing what questions to ask of your doctor. Every person's needs are unique, and your questions will change during the different phases of your disease.

Below are some examples of the types of questions you may want to ask your doctor.

General information

• What type of cancer do I have?
  
  
• Where exactly is it located?
  
  
• What are the risk factors for this disease?
  
  
• Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors? Are other members of my family at risk?
  
  
• How many people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year?
  
  
• What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest) do you recommend I make to stay as healthy as possible before, during, and after treatment?
  
  
• Where can I find more information about my cancer?

Symptoms

• What are some common symptoms of this type of cancer?
  
  
• How can I avoid symptoms and/or reduce their effect on my daily activities?
  
  
• Is there anything that can be done to make my symptoms better?
  
  
• Are there activities that may make the symptoms worse?
  
  
• If new symptoms arise or existing symptoms worsen, what should I do?

Diagnosis

• What diagnostic tests or procedures are necessary? How often?
  
  
• What will these tests tell us about my cancer?
  
  
• How can I prepare myself for each test or procedure?
  
  
• Where do I need to go to have this test?
  
  
• When will I get the results? How will I get the results (over the phone, at the next appointment, etc.)?
  
  
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
  
  
• If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
  
  
• How much information concerning my diagnosis should I share, and at what time, with my friends and loved ones?

Staging

• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
  
  
• Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
  
  
• How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
  
  
• What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?

Treatment

Keep in mind that all treatments offer risks and benefits. Discuss these with your doctor and consider your medical history and current condition in deciding whether the treatment approach is appropriate for you.

• What are my treatment options?
  
  
• What is the goal of each treatment?
  
  
• What clinical trials (research studies involving people) are open to me?
  
  
• What treatment do you recommend? Why?
  
  
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
  
  
• How will this treatment benefit me?
  
  
• Will I need to be hospitalized for treatment, or is this treatment done in an outpatient setting?
  
  
• What is the expected timeline for my treatment plan? Do I need to be treated right away?
  
  
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
  
  
• What are the short-term side effects of this treatment?
  
  
• What long-term side effects may be associated with this cancer treatment?
  
  
• Will this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children?
  
  
• Besides treating cancer, what can be done to treat my symptoms?
  
  
• How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during treatment?

Clinical trials

• What are clinical trials?
  
  
• How do clinical trials help people with cancer?
  
  
• Is this a treatment option for me?
  
  
• How will I be monitored while participating in a clinical trial?
  
  
• What happens if my disease gets worse or is not treated effectively while participating in a clinical trial?
  
  
• How is treatment paid for if I participate in a clinical trial?
  
  
• Where can I get more information about clinical trials?

Find more Questions to Ask the Research Team when considering a clinical trial.

Support

• What support services are available to me? To my family?
  
  
• Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
  
  
• May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?
  
  
• Can you recommend a social worker to help locate support services?
  
  
• Where can I find resources for children? For teenagers? For young adults?
  
  
• Where can I find help with managing the cost of my cancer care?
  
  
• Who handles health insurance concerns in your office?

Follow-up care

• What follow-up tests do I need, and how often will I need them?
  
  
• Is there anything else I should be asking?

For additional questions, see the "Questions to Ask the Doctor" section of each cancer type.

More Information

Organizing Your Cancer Care

Being Your Own Advocate

Cancer.Net Feature: Keeping a Personal Medical Record