Questions to Ask the Doctor

Last Updated: Aug. 1, 2003

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, one that affects you and your family. It’s understandable for a patient to feel worried, scared and confused. Getting correct information about your condition is crucial.

These are some questions you may have for the doctor. It may be helpful to write them down along with the doctor’s response, or bring someone with you to the appointment.

What kind of cancer do I have?

Has the cancer spread? What is the stage of the disease?

Do I need any more tests to check for spread of the disease?

What is the grade of the tumor?

What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?

What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

What is the treatment likely to cost?

How will treatment affect my normal activities?

How often should I have checkups?

Would a clinical trial (research study) be appropriate for me?

Getting a second opinion
Before starting treatment, the patient may want a second pathologist to review the diagnosis and another specialist to review the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient requests it. It may take a week or two to arrange for a second opinion. This short delay will not reduce the chance that treatment will be successful.

Staging the disease
If the diagnosis is cancer, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging is done to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Source: National Cancer Institute

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