Questions to ask your health team when the diagnosis is cancer.

Doctor -

What treatment is recommended? 

Where do I go for treatment? Do I need someone to accompany me to treatment? To pick me up from treatment?

How often is it given?

How long is each visit?

When will you know if the treatment is working or not?

If it doesn't work, are there other treatments used against this cancer?

What is the goal of treatment (cure my cancer, control its spread, or control the symptoms)?

What are the possible side effects of treatment? What are the possible side effects of the cancer itself?

How will side effects be handled?

When will the side effects begin? Is there anything I can do before treatment begins to prepare (i.e. purchase a wig if I want one, get prescriptions filled)?

What impact will treatment have on my quality of life?

What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?

What is my prognosis?

You may wish to discuss the frequency of follow-up visits, and what type of screening tests will be performed?

What number do I call, and whom should I ask for if I have further questions?

Doctor's business office/ health insurance member support -

How much of my treatment costs will have to be paid for out-of-pocket?

Do I have an annual or lifetime cap on my coverage? What happens when I reach that cap? Am I likely to reach it?

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