Questions to ask your oncologist

Pick three to five questions, not all of them

An appointment runs ten to twenty minutes, and your doctor has things to tell you too. Tick the ones weighing on you now — the rest will still be here next time.

Understanding what I have

1. What exactly is this cancer called, and what stage is it?
2. Can you explain in plain words what the biopsy result (pathology report) says?
3. Do I need any more tests before treatment starts?
4. Will my case be discussed by the tumour board? When will I hear what was decided?
5. How soon does treatment need to start? Does anything change if it begins two weeks later?

About the treatment you propose

1. Which treatment do you recommend, and why this one in particular?
2. What are we aiming for: a cure, keeping the disease under control, or easing symptoms?
3. What happens during one session, and how many will there be?
4. Which side effects are most common, and what do we do about each?
5. What other options exist, and what happens if I decide against this treatment?
6. Is this drug covered by the national oncology programme, or do I pay for it?

How treatment changes daily life

1. Can I keep working during treatment?
2. What should I eat, and what should I avoid, on treatment days?
3. Can I drive, exercise, travel away for a few days?
4. What do I do about the other medicines and supplements I already take?
5. Will this affect my fertility? If I want children, what do I need to do beforehand?

Between check-ups: who to call, and when

1. Which symptoms mean I should call straight away rather than wait for my appointment?
2. What number do I call out of hours, in the evening or at the weekend?
3. What temperature counts as a fever in my case? What do I do then?
4. If I end up in A&E, what does the doctor there need to know about my treatment?
5. How will we know the treatment is working, and how often do we check?

Paperwork, money and travel

1. What documents will I need from here on, and where do I get them?
2. What is covered by state insurance, and what comes out of my pocket?
3. Am I entitled to sick leave or a disability certificate? Who issues them?
4. Can I have part of the treatment or the tests done closer to home?
5. Is my travel here reimbursed?

If I want to ask someone else

1. How would you feel about me seeking a second opinion? What should I take with me?
2. Are there clinical trials that might suit my case?
3. Who coordinates the whole treatment — who do I come back to with questions?

Printable materials

If you would rather have it on paper, download the list as a PDF and print it.