Diagnosed with cancer? Here are some questions to ask your care team
We will listen and make sure you get answers.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or tell a member of your care team if you don’t understand something. They are here to support you.
Write down any questions you might have for your care team before your appointment. You may find it helpful to bring a friend or family member to your appointment to help remember information.
Questions to consider asking your care team
- What type of cancer do I have?
- What is the stage of my cancer?
- Has the cancer spread to other areas of my body?
- Will I need more tests before treatment begins? Which ones?
- How serious is my cancer?
- What is my prognosis?
- Who will be a part of my care team?
- What should I bring to my appointments?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Why do you think it is best for me?
- What are the benefits and risks to these treatments?
- When will I need to start treatment?
- Will I need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment? If so, for how long?
- What is my chance of recovery?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- Would a clinical trial be right for me?
- How do I find out about studies for my type and stage of cancer?
- If I have a family history of cancer, should I speak with a genetic counselor?
- Are other members of my family at risk?
- Are there support groups available?
- Who is the social worker who is assigned to my care?
- What foods should I be eating or avoiding during my treatment?
- How long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself?
- What is the chance that my cancer will return?
- What symptoms should I tell you about?
- What can I do to be as healthy as possible?
- Who should I see for my follow-up care?
- What follow-up tests will I need?
- How often will I have these tests?
- What long-term health issues can I expect as a result of my cancer and treatment?
- Are there support groups available?
- What is the role of a caregiver to somebody who has cancer?
- How can I best support my loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer?
- Are resources for caregivers available?