Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español
Email

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment

Male patient and male doctor meet with laptop open between them.
Credit: iStock

 You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions before you decide on your cancer treatment. 

Questions about Cancer Treatment

  • What are treatments for my type and stage of cancer?
  • Where can I find more information about the types of cancer treatments?
  • What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments?
  • What treatment do you recommend? Why do you think it is best for me?
  • When will I need to start treatment?
  • Will I need to be in the hospital for treatment? If so, for how long?
  • What is my chance of recovery with this treatment? 
  • How will we know if the treatment is working?
  • Would a clinical trial (research study) be right for me?
  • How do I find out about studies for my type and stage of cancer?

Questions about Finding a Specialist and Getting a Second Opinion

Questions about What Happens during Treatment 

  • Where will I go for treatment?
  • How is the treatment given?
  • How long will each treatment session take?
  • How many treatment sessions will I have?
  • Should a family member or friend come with me to my treatment sessions?
  • How will I feel after each treatment? Will I be able to go about my day or should I plan to rest?
  • Will I be able to work? Should I think about going part-time?
  • Will treatment affect my appetite or make it hard to eat?

Questions about Side Effects 

  • What are the possible side effects of the treatment?
  • What side effects may happen during or between my treatment sessions?
  • Are there any side effects that I should call you about right away?
  • Are there any lasting side effects of the treatment?
  • Will this treatment affect my ability to have children?
  • Will treatment affect my appetite or make it hard to eat?
  • How can I prevent or treat side effects?

Questions about Medicines and Other Products You Might Be Taking

  • Do I need to tell you about the medicines I am taking now?
  • Should I tell you about dietary supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or fish oil) that I am taking?
  • Could any drugs or supplements change the way that cancer treatment works?
Email