Your relationship with your doctor and the other members of you cancer care team is a key part of your care. It is usually best to have one doctor who coordinates all of your care. This doctor should be someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your concerns and answers all of your questions. Your doctor will explain your diagnosis, health status, treatment options, and progress throughout treatment.

There will also be nurses working with your doctor who have special training to care for people with cancer. These nurses are there to help you with your treatment or any side effects you may have. In many cases, the nurses can answer your questions, too. Nurses can also help you get the answers you need from other members of your health care team.

Like all successful relationships, your relationship with your doctor is a two-way street. It is your responsibility to ask questions and learn about your treatment and health -- to be an active part of your cancer care team.

Doctors differ in how much information they give to people with cancer and their families. Likewise, people who are newly diagnosed also differ in the amount of information they need or want. If your doctor is giving you too much or too little information, let them know. Ask them whatever questions you have, and keep them informed of your needs. As in any relationship, clear and honest communication is the key to success. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. The following are examples of questions you may want to ask during the discussion:

• What type of cancer do I have? What is the stage or extent of my cancer?
• What is my prognosis, as you see it?
• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
• What are the pros and cons of my treatment?
• Are there other treatments for me to consider?
• Are there any clinical trials I should consider?
• How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
• How long will my treatments last?
• What if I miss a treatment?
• Will my life change? Will I need to make changes in my work, family life, and leisure time?
• What are the names of the drugs I will need? What are they for?
• What other drugs or treatments may I have to take?
• How will you know that my treatment is working?
• Why do I need blood tests and how often will I need them?
• If other specialists take part in my care, who will coordinate my entire treatment program?
• What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
• If I don't feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
• What are the chances that my cancer may come back (recur), with the treatment plans we've discussed?
• What can I do to be ready for treatment?
• Will I still be able to have children after treatment?
• Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
• Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
• Will my insurance cover treatment? What costs will I have?
• What is the best time to call you if I have a question?

Make sure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been answered. It may take more than one visit to discuss all of your concerns, and new questions may come to mind. It may be hard to remember everything your doctor says to you. Some people find it helpful to take notes, bring a family member or friend, tape record the conversations, and/or bring a prepared list of questions and write down the doctor's answers.

Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and the recommended treatment. Asking for a second opinion does not mean that you don't like or trust your doctor. Doctors understand you need to feel that every possibility for the best treatment is being explored. You can also ask your doctor if they have consulted with other specialists at their treatment center. For more information, please see our documents, Talking With Your Doctor and Choosing a Doctor and a Hospital.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009