Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What type of cancer do I have and what stage is it in?
- What are my treatment options?
- What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of cancer?
- What is the probability that radiation therapy will work for me? It if works, what are the chances that the cancer will come back?
- What are the chances that the cancer will spread if I do not have radiation therapy?
- How and when will you know if I am cured of cancer?
- How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be external beam or internal (brachytherapy)?
- How many treatments will I receive per week, and for how long?
- What side effects should I expect and how do I manage them?
- Will I also need other treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or hormone therapy? If so, when will I receive them, and in what order?
- Is there a clinical trial for which I might be eligible? If there is, should I participate in it? What are the benefits and risks of doing so?
- Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility? Do you recommend I bring a friend or family member?
- Will I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
- Will I be able to continue my normal activities during treatment? If not, how soon after treatment will I be able to resume them? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic exercise?
- Will radiation therapy affect my sex life or my ability to have children?
- Can I smoke or drink alcohol during my course of treatment?
- Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?
- How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?
- What are reasons I should call you at night or on a weekend?
- After my treatment is completed, how often will I need to return for checkups?
- What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?
More questions to ask your doctor are listed here.
