Honest and open discussions with your cancer care provider are a vital part of every treatment plan.
When you meet with your physician, bring a list of questions prepared in advance and ask a family member or friend to accompany you to help take notes and provide support. If you are having difficulty coming up with a list, you could consider some of the suggestions below:
- What stage is my cancer and what does this mean?
- Is my cancer in just one organ/place/location or has it spread?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are our next steps?
- What is the best way for me to reach you with additional questions?
- Can you recommend resources for additional information and support?
If you don't understand or have questions concerning an explanation or answer, don't be afraid to ask your doctor for a clarification.
Resources:
For additional information on how to play an active role in your health care, visit:
CancerCare, Your Health Care Team: Your Doctor is Only the Beginning
National Institutes of Health, Talking to Your Doctor
National Cancer Institute, Communication in Cancer Care
American Cancer Society, Talking with your doctor
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Understanding how to Talk to Your Doctor
CancerCare, "Doctor, Can We Talk?": Tips for Communicating With Your Health Care Team