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  • Meeting with the doctor or oncologist

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 Hotline (1-800-363-0063) can help you prepare for the meeting, by clarifying your questions and putting them in order.

Table of contents

For any questions:

Call 1-800-363-0063

Helpful tips for the upcoming meeting

  • Prepare yourself by carefully observing the symptoms that you experience: where do you feel this discomfort, what sets it off, when does it appear?
  • Write down your questions and concerns in advance.
  • Give your own ideas about the nature and the cause of the problem and the feelings and fears it creates in you.
  • Clarify your questions.
  • Take notes.
  • Bring a list of any medicine you take.
  • Have someone accompany you and ask them to take notes.
  • Summarize what you have understood and don’t be embarrassed to say so when you don’t understand or if you disagree.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat, to use simpler terms, or to provide you with references or documents clearly explaining the tests or treatments you have to undergo.
  • Make sure you understand the steps in the proposed plan; reach an agreement by the end of the interview.
  • Let your doctor know early in the interview if he will have documents to fill out or prescriptions to renew.
  • Call the Info-cancer Hotline (1-800-363-0063) to help you prepare your meeting.
  • Don’t forget to bring your health card and your Oncology Passport  if you already have been given one, or order one now.

What you can expect from the doctor

  • Maturity, respect, and clear explanations.
  • Answers to relevant questions related to the field of medicine.

What one can’t expect from the doctor

  • To conduct the medical interview like a friendly conversation; it is structured to use the time available in the best possible way.
  • That the doctor can guess what you do not say
  • That the doctor is never exhausted, sick or preoccupied.

Call the Info-cancer Hotline (1-800-363-0063) to talk to one of our specialized oncology nurses.

Do you have an upcoming appointment with your oncologist?

Explore our question lists, available online and in printable form, to help you organize your thoughts and better understand your diagnosis and treatment options. All at your own pace, to support your active participation in your care journey.

These lists will help you:

  • Plan your medical appointments more effectively
  • Retain key information provided by your care team
  • Keep a record of the topics discussed for follow-up

Consult them today:

Online version | Printable version

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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.
Learn more