Useful Questions to Ask Your
Doctor
Most people when told that they have a urological malignancy react
with a feeling of shock
at hearing the word 'cancer'. It is important however to obtain
as much additional information from your doctor in order to fully
understand your condition and the treatment options available and
this can be achieved on subsequent visits to your clinician. You
may also find it valuable
to involve your loved ones during this difficult time and it may
be beneficial to have a family member accompany you on your next
visit to the doctor. The following questions are examples that may
prove useful in developing a clearer picture of your situation and
perhaps help you to deal with your diagnosis and prepare you for
events to come.
Useful questions to ask your doctor may
include:
 How do you know
that I have cancer?
What stage of
cancer do I have?
Are there further
test that I should have to determine the stage and nature of the
cancer
before I decide on a method of treatment?
What will these
tests tell us?
What are the
treatment alternatives for my stage of cancer?
What treatment
do you recommend for me and why?
Are there other
alternatives that haven't been mentioned?
What are the
risks involved with the various treatments?
What are the
likely consequences of having no treatment?
How suitable
are the various treatment options for me?
Will these treatments
be done on a hospital in-patient or outpatient basis?
How much do the
tests and treatments cost?
How will different
treatments affect my quality of life?
What impact will
treatments have on my sexual activity?
What effect will
these treatments have on my continence?
How will I feel
during treatment?
When will I be
able to return to my normal activities?
When will I be
able to resume sexual activity?
What are my options
if I experience sexual problems? Can you refer me to an expert
in this field?
Will I need regular
check ups to monitor my response to cancer treatment?
What tests will
be required for these check ups?
What will the
tests tell us?
Are there any
specific signs I should be aware of that may relate to an improvement
or deterioration in my condition?
In respect of
my rights as a patient, where can I go for a second opinion?
Are there any
support groups in my area?
Are there any
other patients that I could talk to regarding the condition and
treatments?
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