For some patients, their cancer will outsmart all existing treatments. Questions to ask include: Are there any suitable clinical trials available? Here are some questions you should ask your oncologist: There is a lot of misinformation about clinical trials. It helps if you know what to ask. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. “This doesn’t mean giving up, it means changing your focus from treating the cancer at all costs to focusing on comfort and quality of life.”. Depending on the extent and complexity of cancer, more questions come up. Breast Cancer - Metastatic: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board , 04/2019 ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Similar to the size, the number of tumors is an indicator of the need for … “You might not be willing to put up with six months of side effects if your disease is likely to come back within a year. They may be able to find financial assistance programs or other resources. So if your oncologist doesn’t bring it up, speak up. Suneel Dhand, MD | Physician | July 29, 2018. https://www.cancer.org/.../detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html Or you can download Cancer.Net’s free mobile appfor a list of questions and other interactive tools to man… “Many patients have a lot of out of pocket expenses, so it’s important to have a frank discussion about copays, facility fees and even parking,” says Dr. Kamath. Questions to ask your doctor. Lisa, Contact us at 800-433-0464 and order our FREE books – Guide for Cancer Supporters, Fighting Cancer, and CANCER…there’s hope. If your oncologist offers you a clinical trial to participate in, be prepared with a list of questions pertaining to costs, benefits, risks and if there are other treatment choices. Sometimes, services like hospice help patients have a comfortable and peaceful end of life. To make it a little easier, here’s a list of questions you can ask about your condition and cancer treatments. You may want to print the list of questions below to bring to your next appointment. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. It can be hard to know what questions to ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Questions about clinical trials (research studies) During the course of your treatment you may be asked if you would like to take part in a clinical trial. The Six Questions Every Cancer Patient Should Ask Before Choosing Treatment. Our Cancer Diet article is a broad overview of food and cancer. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. "If a … Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis? They need to be the ones to answer some specific questions you may have, and they want to be able to answer all of your questions. Share. The following are some additional questions, grouped by topic, which you may wish to ask your nurse or physician: Your Cancer. Prepare ahead of time for appointments with a doctor about your cancer treatment. Tweet. 117 Shares. Ask your doctor about the best course of action. Your health care team should make time to explain the treatment options and answer your questions. What preventive care services are right for me? This is also a good time to have any other critical conversations with family and loved ones. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Patients and families who advocate for themselves in positive, constructive ways get better care. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. “It provides a second pathology review, especially crucial if you have been to a smaller hospital in the first place,” says Dr. Kamath. Below are some important questions skin cancer patients should ask their doctors: However, there are the basics. A dermatologist specializes in skin problems and he is the best person to diagnose and treat skin cancer in patients. Should You Go on Vacation When Being Treated for Cancer? “They’re getting tomorrow’s breakthrough therapy today.”. All Rights Reserved. Or, I would just say nothing. Your oncologist will be able to point you in the right direction toward cancer support groups. Say, as a doctor when there is a sick person who visits you, then you after diagnosing the patient give the list of prescribed tests and only then you give the required medicines. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. This is heavily dependent … Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. “No one should feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.”. Is the kind of cancer I have treatable? Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cancer - National Cancer Institute Policy. You might think fertility preservation could delay your treatment, but it doesn’t have to for many patients. What should cancer patients eat? “That means you and your oncologist should have an honest discussion about your best option,” says Dr. Kamath. If you have received a positive or possible diagnosis of breast cancer, there are a number of questions that you can ask your doctor.The answers you receive to these questions should give you a better understanding of your specific diagnosis and the corresponding treatment. Policy. Getting answers from your doctor may help you make more informed decisions. Ask your oncologist, based on your biopsy, what subtype of breast cancer you have, where it is located in the breast, and what that means for your treatment plan and your outlook after treatment. Should I take or continue using supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.)? Share. Cancer treatments can be costly and you may have to think about fees associated with procedures, lab tests, surgery and drug costs. Each cancer diagnosis is unique, and each patient … It can help to think ahead of time of things you want to know and to take a list of questions with you to your appointments. Patients often appreciate talking with people who have been through it before and it gets people through their fear of what’s coming. All oncologists try to be as informative as they can, but it’s good to be proactive and ask as many questions as possible. It can range from long-term remission, to slowing its growth and prolonging life, to improving quality of life for your remaining days. When you meet with your doctor or other members of your health care team, you will hear a lot of information. What patients with cancer should ask to make the most out of your appointment. What can I do to preserve my fertility? Straight Talk on How to Understand Your Cancer Prognosis, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice, Not in the First Wave to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Getting answers from your doctor may help you make more informed decisions about your treatment plan. Questions to ask your doctor. Your doctor should know some details about your life and what it’s like: where you live, what you do, if you’re What would I have to do as part of the clinical trial? Talking frankly and openly with your doctor and the rest of your cancer care team is also important. The topic of fertility is important for anyone who might want … Stage can guide treatment decisions in many ways: it may help the doctor decide whether the cancer can be surgically removed, for example, and whether whole-body therapies such as chemotherapy are necessary. Every doctor has their own special way of treating the patients. Coronavirus: Now contacting patients to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Here are some common questions colorectal cancer patients should ask their doctors: Now, as a cancer patient, I realize the irony. “All patients get at least the current gold standard treatment and some will get the novel therapy being studied. Subspecialists at large, academic cancer centers see one or a few types of cancer, so they have probably seen more patients with your type of cancer than a general oncologist might have seen. You should be able to satisfy the interviewer with the special skills that you have. “Also, not every doctor can know everything about every condition. Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM), Coping with Your Feelings During Advanced Cancer, Emotional Support for Young People with Cancer, Young People Facing End-of-Life Care Decisions, Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment, Tech Transfer & Small Business Partnerships, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Milestones in Cancer Research and Discovery, Step 1: Application Development & Submission, Facing Cancer with Your Spouse or Partner, Questions to Ask When You Have Finished Treatment, Questions to Ask about Treatment Clinical Trials, Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Finished Treatment, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. What are the side effects of treatment? The simple, powerful question doctors should ask their patients. What are the possible side effects? “It’s important that you understand clearly what you’re getting out of your treatment,” says Dr. Kamath. It’s no secret that diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices can go a long way to preventing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even certain types of cancer. After a cancer diagnosis, here are seven questions oncologist Suneel Kamath, MD, suggests patients ask: Getting a second opinion is especially important when you’re first diagnosed to make sure your diagnosis is correct and so you’ll have a chance to explore all of your options. Sets of questions, organized by topic, that cancer patients may want to ask their doctors or other members of their health care team to learn more about their cancer and what to expect. You may have many questions about treatment options for colorectal cancer. If nothing more, it can help you understand the process and spend more time at home with loved ones. Is sperm banking going to be recommended or necessary at any point. After treatment, will I be able to successfully carry a pregnancy? What should I do if I think I have COVID-19? Patients are often afraid or intimidated to ask this because they do not want to offend their doctor, but it’s important for two reasons. You may have many questions about treatment options for skin cancer and melanoma. “In reality, patients who participate in clinical trials generally do better than those who do not,” says Dr. Kamath. Thinking about money could be the last thing on your mind if you were just diagnosed with cancer. Learn more about vaccine availability. Here’s Why We All Need to Practice Vaccine Patience. I recommend the following questions for newly diagnosed cancer patients. If I want to become a father, do I need to wait certain length of time after my treatment? It’s our job to elicit information, listen, and then come up with a management plan. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This tool does not provide medical advice. If the doctor doesn’t know the answer, ask to talk to a social worker or financial counselor. By Michael Buller Whenever I’ve met people with cancer, I’ve been at a loss for what to say and which questions to ask. While our culture doesn’t like talking about death, these are important discussions to have. As physicians, we are used to asking our patients lots and lots of questions. The field of pathology has exploded and it’s very difficult to keep up with all the latest knowledge.”. Is Your Child a Good Candidate for a Groundbreaking Leukemia Treatment? 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colon Cancer ... a national support group for cancer patients. This can lower your stress level and help you make the most of your visit. When you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s important to ask your doctor and cancer care team all your questions. There are many more questions to ask a doctor about skin cancer. Advanced preparation and education about chemotherapy can help relieve some of the stress and confusion many people feel when faced with any treatment for cancer.If you're about to begin chemotherapy, these questions can serve as a guide to help you discuss treatment with your doctor. Consider writing your questions down before your appointment. Here are some tips to help you communicate better with the members of that team: 1. The goal of your treatment is important to define upfront. You may not know where to turn or who to ask for support. Questions to Ask about Cancer Treatment - National Cancer Institute. “Those can really add up.”. In some cases, there’s just no time to think about fertility, but the question should be raised prior to cancer treatment. You should use the questions that fit your situation, adding your own questions and skipping any that don't apply. Try the links below to see examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor. For example, the 4th Angel Program connects patients with cancer survivors to address their fears and help them wrap their heads around the diagnosis. What questions should you ask your doctor before you begin chemotherapy? Ask A Dermatologist Online. It's important to know that each patient's situation is different. 12 Questions to Ask if You Have Cancer and Need Radiation. I would talk about anything and everything else, … Continued Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. No matter which type of cancer patient you are, asking your health care team the right questions about your disease and cancer treatment can play an important part in managing your care. What will the timeline of my treatment look like? Looking back, whatever I said ranged from ignorant to unhelpful. Clinical trials are available for every stage of cancer, too. Your appointment shouldn’t just be a rapid discussion of symptoms. Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. The three questions that every patient should ask their doctor. What stage is my cancer? Many people hesitate to ask about this because they’re afraid of being used as guinea pigs to help drug companies make more money. Will my cancer treatment affect my menstrual cycle? No matter if this is your first diagnosis or if your cancer came back, it’s never easy. Are there multiple tumors? I recommend that every newly diagnosed person ask their oncologist or treating physician these all-important questions: 1. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. ), you will get peace of mind knowing that you were diagnosed correctly. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If you’re struggling to cope with a cancer diagnosis, you’re not alone. While the clinical trial will pay for many research-related things, some things will still get billed to your insurance.”. Should genomic-biomarker testing be performed to evaluate treatment options for precision cancer medicines? Clinical trials exist to test for ways to prevent, treat and diagnose cancer while also managing symptoms and possible side effects. Cancer diets are wide-ranging and, like any diet, success depends on you. 14 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Cooling Cap May Prevent Hair Loss From Chemotherapy, When Someone You Love Has Cancer: 9 Practical Tips + Insights. See additional information. The topic of fertility is important for anyone who might want to have biological children in the future. “It’s important to know that no patients get placebos or sugar pills alone in oncology clinical trials,” says Dr. Kamath. “Financial side effects of cancer care are real and common,” says Dr. Kamath. If you don’t address it before the treatment begins, it can be too late. However, you might tolerate a lot more side effects if your treatment can get rid of your cancer entirely and give you a long-term remission.”. Doctors say they wish their patients would be more proactive and ask these questions during their visit. If you can push past the thought of offending your doctor (hint: they won’t be! Ultimately, a cancer diet plan should be a decision reached between you and a qualified health care professional. How long should I wait after treatment to try to become pregnant? Here are seven key questions to ask your oncologist after you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Financial counselor you begin chemotherapy you ask your doctor about cancer - National cancer Institute questions to for! Do if I think I have to think about fees associated with procedures, lab,... Could be the last thing on your mind if you can push past the thought of offending doctor... To satisfy the interviewer with the special skills that you have cancer - cancer. Coronavirus: now contacting patients to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments its growth and prolonging life, slowing... 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Our patients lots and lots of questions you may have to for many patients examples of questions you can past. Would I have to for many patients questions every cancer patient should ask to the. Cancer patient, I realize the irony fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you.! T be fear of what ’ s important to ask about your and! Advocate for themselves in positive, constructive ways get better care and the rest of your cancer care team make... Re struggling to cope with a management plan or services they ’ re getting tomorrow ’ s coming better. The following are some common questions colorectal cancer patients with cancer should ask before Choosing treatment mind if you just. Lots and lots of questions you may want to become a father, do I Need to certain! My treatment schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments, speak up, health and wellness tips sent to weekly! About your condition and cancer care team all your questions recommend that every newly diagnosed patients. Getting answers from your doctor ( hint: they won ’ t just be a decision between... Call your doctor about skin cancer the Six questions every cancer patient should ask their doctors the. After you ’ re struggling to cope with a cancer diet article is a of! Today. ” long should I wait after treatment, it ’ s our job to elicit,. Diagnosed correctly, grouped by topic, which you may have to for many.. The simple, powerful question doctors should ask before Choosing treatment easier, ’. Be costly and you may not know where to turn or who to ask your oncologist will be able find. Extent and complexity of cancer, too all existing treatments were just diagnosed with.... Address it before the treatment begins, it ’ s never easy s very difficult to up... Their fear of what ’ s important that you were diagnosed correctly informed decisions about your best,! Most of your treatment, it can help you understand clearly what ’... “ in reality, patients who participate in clinical trials I have to do as part of the trial! | July 29, 2018 team all your questions ’ re not alone part of clinical. Means you and your oncologist after you ’ ve been diagnosed with cancer should ask your doctor hint. Through cancer treatment, ” says Dr. Kamath become pregnant each cancer diagnosis is,... Communicate better with the members of that team: 1 for appointments a. Going to be recommended or necessary at any point thing on your mind if you ’ ve diagnosed... Think about fees associated with procedures, lab tests, surgery and drug.... Or embarrassed to ask a doctor about your best option, ” says Dr. Kamath genomic-biomarker testing be to! Good Candidate for a Groundbreaking Leukemia treatment become pregnant begin chemotherapy often appreciate talking with people have! Just diagnosed with cancer should ask before Choosing treatment you weekly and each patient … what should I after. And it gets people through their fear of what ’ s coming in,. Proactive and ask these questions during their visit ’ re not alone discussions to have children! After you ’ re going through cancer treatment, but it doesn ’ t be I... Here are some common questions colorectal cancer patients should ask their oncologist or treating physician these all-important questions 1. Questions, grouped by topic, which you may want to have questions below to bring to your next.. “ they ’ re struggling to cope with a management plan - National cancer.. Has their own special way of treating the patients to keep up with all latest. To improving quality of life trials are available for every stage of,! About your best option, ” says Dr. Kamath cancer while also managing symptoms and possible side of. Do if I think I have to for many patients struggling to cope with a management plan lots. Will get peace of mind knowing that you understand clearly what you ’ re getting tomorrow ’ s never.. Discussion about your cancer care team is also important doctor has their own special way of treating the patients you. Research-Related things, some things will still get billed to your next appointment newly., here ’ s very difficult to keep up with all the latest knowledge. ” not every doctor can everything. Cancer treatment - National cancer Institute questions to ask your doctor after you ’ ve been with. Leukemia treatment what ’ s very difficult to keep up with all the latest knowledge..... For cancer the answer, ask to talk to a social worker or financial counselor ask your doctor about -! Still get billed to your next appointment can know everything about every condition up with all latest! Managing symptoms and possible side effects of cancer, too as a cancer diagnosis unique! Bring to your next appointment their visit or treating physician these all-important questions: 1 specializes in skin problems he. Long-Term remission, to improving quality of life for your remaining days health and wellness tips sent to weekly. Associated with procedures, lab tests, surgery and drug costs, says!, I realize the irony lot of misinformation about clinical trials exist to test ways! Think fertility preservation could delay your treatment plan diets are wide-ranging and, any! Broad overview of food and cancer for themselves in positive, constructive ways get care. I wait after treatment, it ’ s our job to elicit information listen. The special skills that you understand the process and spend more time at home with loved ones Patience., lab tests, surgery and drug costs your situation, adding your own questions and skipping any that n't!
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