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Parcours de soins oncologiques
  • Examples of questions to ask the doctor or oncologist

Examples of questions to ask the doctor or oncologist

Table of contents

For any questions:

Call 1-800-363-0063

Download the printable version

Understanding your diagnosis and treatments options

  • What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
  • Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
  • Do I need any additional tests to find the most effective treatment?
  • What treatments are currently recommended for my diagnosis?
  • Are there alternative treatment options? What are the potential benefits and risks of each?
  • Based on my situation, what would you recommend?
  • Are there clinical trials available that may be suitable for my type of cancer?
  • What are the possible outcomes if I choose not to pursue treatment?
  • What will the overall treatment plan look like? Will it involve a combination of therapies? How long will the treatment last, and how frequently will it be administered?
  • When and where will it begin?
  • Will I be able to continue working or maintain my usual daily activities during this time?

Side effects of treatment and cancer

  • Are there preferred methods of contraception during my treatments?
  • Could the treatments affect my fertility? What steps can I take to preserve it?
  • What are the possible side effects of the disease and the treatment—at the beginning, during, after, and long-term?
  • Are there ways to prevent or manage these side effects?
  • Are there any special precautions I should take during treatment?
  • What should I do if I experience discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms? Who should I contact and how?
  • What tests will you perform to check if the treatment is working?

During each appointment

  • Here is a list of current symptoms or discomforts I am experiencing —what can be done to relieve them?
  • Here is my current list of medications. Could you renew them as needed?
  • When is my next appointment scheduled?

After treatments

  • How experienced is your team in treating this type of cancer? Approximately how many cases do you manage annually?
  • Who should I contact if I have concerns about my cancer or long-term side effects?
  • Are there precautions I should continue to take after treatment ends?
  • What can I do to help return to a normal routine or improve my quality of life?

Need support preparing your questions?

For assistance preparing for your appointment, or to better understand your care team’s role, you can contact a nurse or librarian through the Info-cancer Hotline.

1-800-363-0063
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Appointment with the Pivot Nurse

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Meeting with the doctor or oncologist

We often have lots of questions to ask our doctor when it comes time to meet him. The nursing staff at the Info-Cancer Line (1-800-363-0063) can help you prepare for the meeting, by clarifying your questions and putting them in order.
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