Questions to ask your oncologist
The questions our patients most often wish they had asked. Print it, or bring it on your phone.
Most families think of their real questions in the car on the way home. Ask any of these, in any order, as many times as you need. Asking a doctor to repeat something is not rude; it is how you end up understanding your own treatment.
About the diagnosis
- What type and stage is it, exactly?
- What does that stage mean for someone in my situation?
- Can you write the name of the diagnosis down for me?
About the treatment
- What is the goal of this treatment — cure, control, or comfort?
- What are the other options, and why are you recommending this one?
- What happens if we wait two weeks?
- How many sessions, over how long?
About daily life and cost
- What will this cost, in total, including scans?
- What are the side effects I should call you about?
- Will I be able to work, eat, and travel during treatment?
- Who do I call at night if something goes wrong?
Ask us instead
If the answer you need is not written down yet, ask a person. That is faster than waiting for us to publish it.