Questions for your team

You’re likely to have a lot of questions. If you’re unsure of anything regarding your cancer or treatment, always ask your treating team. Your team will understand your specific diagnosis better than your family and friends or anyone on the internet, so you can be sure you’ll be getting the right information.

Helpful tips

Make a list. Well before your appointment, think about what you want to know, and write down a list of questions so you don’t forget anything. You can also browse the questions below to get you thinking about what you might want to know.

Take a support person. Is there someone who could come to your appointments with you? They can support you, and even act as notetaker to help you remember and understand what has been discussed.

Keep a record. Take a pen and paper to all appointments to record answers. Always be sure to ask permission if you plan to make an audio recording during an appointment.

Ask for notes. If you think it would be helpful, you can also ask your doctor to give you diagrams, or to write down the names of medications or terms you’re not familiar with.

Questions

Before your appointment, think about what you would like to know. Here is a list of questions to get you started. We have not provided answers, as everyone's situation is different. Your treating team is best placed to answer these questions for you.

Remember that not all of the questions will relate to you. You might want answers to some of these questions now, while some may become more important later on.

The first question

• Has my cancer spread to another part of my body? What does that mean?

If cancer has returned, but not spread

• What treatment would you recommend now?
• What are the risks and side effects of that treatment?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Is my cancer ever likely to go away?
• Is my cancer likely to come back again?
• Are there any clinical trials that might be suitable for me?
• Is there someone I can speak to who has had a similar experience?
• How can I talk to my family about this?
• Where can I get help to deal with feelings of anxiety or depression?

If cancer has spread to another part of your body

• What treatment would you recommend now?
• What are the risks and side effects of that treatment?
• Are there other treatment choices I could consider?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• Are there any clinical trials that might be suitable for me?
• Are there any complementary therapies that could help me?
• What is an Advance Care directive and do I need one?
• Is it OK for me to travel?
• What would happen if I didn’t have treatment?
• What can be done if I start having pain?
• What exactly is palliative care?
• Is there someone I can speak to who has experienced advanced cancer?
• Where can I get help to deal with feelings of anxiety or depression?
• Is there someone who can help me to talk to my family about this?