Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Coping with a diagnosis of cancer and researching the various treatment options can be a stressful experience. To assist you in this process, below is a list of questions you may want to ask your radiation oncologist if you are considering radiation therapy.

Questions to ask before treatment

• What type and stage of cancer do I have?
• What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of cancer?
• How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be external beam or brachytherapy? What do the treatments feel like?
• For how many weeks will I receive radiation? How many treatments will I receive per week?
• What are the chances that radiation therapy will work?
• Can I participate in a clinical trial? If so, what is the trial testing? What are my benefits and risks?
• What is the chance that the cancer will spread or come back if I do not have radiation therapy?
• Will I need chemotherapy, surgery or other treatments? If so, in what order will I receive these treatments? How soon after radiation therapy can I start them?
• How should I prepare for this financially?
• What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?
• If I have questions after I leave here, who can I call?
• Will radiation therapy affect my ability to have children?
• Do you take my insurance?

Questions to ask during treatment

• How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?
• Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility?
• Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
• What side effects may occur from the radiation and how are they managed?
• Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
• Can I exercise?
• Can I have sex?
• Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
• Will side effects change my appearance? If so, will the changes be permanent or temporary? If temporary, how long will they last?
• Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?

Questions to ask after treatment ends

• How and when will you know if I am cured of cancer?
• What are the chances that the cancer will come back?
• How soon can I go back to my regular activities? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic exercise?
• How often do I need to return for checkups?