Questions to Ask Your Doctor

You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions before you decide on your cancer treatment.

Questions about cancer treatment

  • What treatment do you recommend? Why do you think it is best for me?
  • What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments?
  • Would a clinical trial (research study) be right for me?
  • How do I find out about studies for my type and stage of cancer?

Questions about surgery

  • Is surgery an option for me?  If so, what kind of surgery do you suggest?
  • How long will I stay in the hospital?
  • If I have pain, how will it be controlled?

Questions about other types of treatment

  • Where will I go for treatment?
  • How is the treatment given?
  • How long will each treatment session take?
  • How many treatment sessions will I have?
  • Should a family member or friend come with me to my treatment sessions?

Questions about side effects

  • What are the possible side effects of the treatment?
  • What side effects may happen during or between my treatment sessions?
  • Are there any side effects that I should call you about right away?
  • How can I prevent or treat side effects?

Questions about medicines and other products you might be taking

  • Do I need to tell you about the medicines I am taking now?
  • Should I tell you about dietary supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or fish oil) that I am taking?
  • Could any drugs or supplements change the way that cancer treatment works?

Source: For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute website.

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Markey Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center – a distinction that recognizes our commitment to accelerating precision cancer research and care to patients. We are the first and only NCI-Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky, and one of 57 in the nation.

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