Different treatment options may be available depending on the stage and location of the cancer. In addition to the list of questions provided here, be sure to talk to your doctor about clinical trials, target therapy, and personalized medicine.
Prior to appointments with your physicians, be sure to organize your thoughts and questions and bring this list with you. During your appointment, start with your most pressing concerns. We also highly recommend bringing a family member or friend with you as another set of ears, and to take notes and chime in with questions.
It’s important to understand your medical options and the courses of treatment you are undertaking. Remember, you have every right to ask your physicians whatever questions you may have on your mind—as many times as you need. If at any point you aren’t understanding the information being presented to you, you can always slow things down, and request explanations. It’s OK, and encouraged, to advocate for yourself, and have your caretakers advocate on your behalf.
Here’s a list of sample questions from Heather Sentkoski, a clinical social worker at Johns Hopkins, to use as a guideline: