How to Ask Questions and Educate Yourself About Colon Cancer
If you've been diagnosed with colon cancer, one of the most important ways to understand your options is to ask question. Being well-informed will help you know what to expect at each stage of your cancer care plan.
How to Ask Your Doctor the Right Questions
The following questions are a good place to start. You don't need to ask all of these questions at once; focus on whatever you feel is important for getting the information you need right now. You can add your own questions, about things that are important to you personally, to this list too.
- Should I get a second opinion?
- If yes, what steps do I take to get a second opinion?
- Where is my cancer located?
- What is my stage of disease?
- Has my cancer spread beyond my colon?
- What are my treatment choices?
- What treatment do you think is best for me? Why?
- Do I need surgery?
- If I need surgery, will I need a colostomy? If yes, will the colostomy be permanent?
- What are the potential side effects of the treatment you recommend?
- What is typical in terms of side effects for the patients you treat?
- What is the "worst case" scenario of side effects and how do I handle this if it happens?
- Who should I call about side effects if they are serious and very bothersome?
- When should I call about side effects?
- How does my past medical history affect which treatments are options for me?
- Are there any clinical trials that might be options for me?
- Do you recommend I enroll in a clinical trial? Why or Why not?
- Can I work during treatment if I want to?
- What lifestyle restrictions will I have during treatment? For example, can I exercise? Will I need a special diet? Will I have to limit visits with friends and family members?
- Will I need to spend time in the hospital?
- What happens if I react badly to treatment and need to stop? Will we try something else instead?
- For each possible treatment option, what are the chances that my cancer might come back?
- If my cancer comes back, are there other treatment options for me to try?
- What will the treatment schedule look like in terms of how many days I'll need to come into the clinic, how long I'll have to stay each day, and how many days after a treatment I might need to take off work or limit other plans?
- Does my colon cancer diagnosis mean I'm at higher risk for any other type of cancer?
- Once I finish treatment, how will I be monitored for recurrent cancer?
- Are there any steps I should take during or after treatment to help myself stay healthy?
- Can you recommend a support group or other resources for coping with a colon cancer diagnosis?
- For younger patients: Will the treatments affect my ability to have children? Is there a way to protect my fertility?
- Is it OK if I audio-tape our consultations?
Sources
The American Cancer Society. Making Treatment Decisions. Accessed February 5, 2009.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_8_Making_Treatment_Decisions_Colon_and_Rectum_Cancer.asp
