Questions To Ask
Throughout your illness and treatment you will probably keep thinking of questions you want to ask. Below are some questions patients commonly ask their family doctor and hospital staff. There are no right or wrong questions – and no right or wrong time to ask them. Don’t be afraid to ask them!
General questions to ask
- What tests and treatments are there to choose from?
- What do the tests and treatments involve?
- Are there any other methods of treatment?
- Where can I find out about the latest treatments?
- How long will the treatment last?
- Are there any other treatments available elsewhere?
- Where will I have to go to treatment?
- How will I get there?
- What are the benefits of the different options for treatment?
- What choice do I have?
- What are the risks and side effects of the treatments?
- Will the treatments affect my work/education?
- Will I still be able to look after my family or will I need help?
- How can I tell my family and friends?
- Will there be any short – or long-term side effects which will affect my sex life or fertility?
- How do I know I’m getting the best treatment?
- Will my treatment affect how I live my life?
Questions you might ask during treatment
- How can I tell if the treatment is working?
- What happens when the treatment finishes?
- What can I do to help myself?
- Is there anything I should avoid? (such as certain foods or medicines, dental treatment, swimming or sunbathing)
- Who can I talk to about what I should be eating?
- What complementary therapies are there?
Questions to ask after you have had your treatment
- When will I know if the treatment has been effective?
- How long will it be before I feel better and can get back to a normal routine?
- What happens next?
- When do I next see you?
- What happens if the treatment hasn’t worked?
- How will I know if the treatment has caused long-term side-effects?
- Who can provide help for me at home?
- Is there any financial help available for people like me?
- Can I get any emotional support to help me learn to live with cancer?