#Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Given that your time with the doctor is limited, it's helpful to prepare for the visit in advance by prioritizing the questions that are important to you. You may want to start your discussion with the doctor with a statement about your personal goal for this appointment (i.e. the main question or concern you want to address).

Let the doctor know in advance how involved you would like to be in decision-making, and how much detailed information you would like him or her to give you. Also, keep in mind that you can direct questions about financial issues or emotional support to other members of the medical team or to the Cancer Resource Center .

It is not uncommon during the first few office visits to be overwhelmed and to forget much of what is said. You might consider bringing a family member or loved one to your first few visits. Having another person there to ask questions and to review the information with you afterwards can be extremely helpful.

If you'd like to tape record your visit to review at a later time, tape recorders are available for loan at the Cancer Resource Center. It also is a good idea to bring a notebook with a list of questions for your doctor and a pen to jot down important information. You also can ask your doctor to send you a copy of his or her evaluation and treatment recommendations.

If you would like help in preparing for your doctor's visit, the Consultation Planning program at the Cancer Resource Center can help you identify your key questions and concerns. These questions and concerns are then organized into a flow chart, which serves as a guide for your discussion with the doctor. Consultation Planning is provided as a free service. Call the UCSF Cancer Resource Center at (415) 885-3693 for more information.

Diagnosis

• What stage is my cancer?
• Can you tell if this is a fast-growing type of cancer, or a slow-growing type?

Tests

• What tests will I have?
• When should I expect the results from these tests?
• What will these tests tell me about my cancer?
• How long after I have these tests will I know the results?
• Who will call me with the results of these tests? Or, whom should I call to get the results?
• If I need to get copies of my records, scans, X-rays, whom do I contact?
• Do I have to do anything special to prepare for the tests?
• Do these tests have any side effects?

Doctors

• How many doctors will be involved in my care? Who are they? What are their roles?
• Who will be the doctor in charge of coordinating my care and the rest of the doctors?
• What other health care professionals can I expect to be involved in my care?