Consultation Visit

1. Do you have time today to discuss my questions?
2. Can I ask you to explain any words that I am not familiar with?

1. What kind of cancer do I have?
2. Where is the cancer at the moment? Has it spread to other parts of my body?

1. Are there any further tests that I need to have? What will they tell us? Will they confirm my diagnosis?
2. What will I experience when having the test(s)?

1. What does prognosis mean?
2. How bad is this cancer and what is it going to mean for me?
3. What symptoms will the cancer cause?
4. What is the aim of the treatment? To cure the cancer or to control it and manage symptoms?
5. Is the treatment going to improve my chance of survival?
6. How likely is it that the cancer will spread to other parts of my body without any more treatment?
7. How likely is it that the cancer will spread to other parts of my body if I do have more treatment?
8. What is the expected survival for people with my type of cancer?
9. How likely is it that the treatment will improve my symptoms?

1. Do you specialize in treating my type of cancer?
2. How well established is the treatment you are recommending?
3. Is there another specialist who treats this type of cancer that you recommend for a second opinion?
4. Do you work in a multi-disciplinary team and what does this mean?
5. Who will be in charge of my care?
6. What do I do if I get conflicting information?

1. Is it necessary to have treatment right now?
2. If so, do I have a choice of treatments?
3. What are the pros and cons of each treatment option?
4. What can I expect if I decide not to have treatment?
5. How much time do I have to think about this?
6. What is your opinion about the best treatment for me?

1. What exactly will be done during the treatment and how will it affect me? When are these effects likely to happen?
2. Are there long-term side effects from the treatment?
3. What is the treatment schedule? How often and for how long?
4. Where will I have the treatment?
5. What problems should I look out for and who do I contact if they occur? [Is there a contact sheet?]

1. What are clinical trials? Are there any that might be relevant for me?
2. Will I be treated any differently if I enroll in a trial?

1. Are there any complementary therapies that you believe may be helpful or that are known to be bad for me?
2. Are there [internal or external] services/support groups that can help me and my family deal with this illness?
3. Will the treatment or illness reduce my sexual drive/fertility?

1. Do you have social workers to assist with insurance, disability claims, etc?
2. Can you refer me to a psycho-oncologist?
3. Can you refer me to a nutritionist/dietician?

Your first consultation visit with your oncologist may be overwhelming. Here is a condensed question prompt list that has been developed and tested to help you get the most out of your time with your doctor. For the full printable list, click here (Dimoska, 2008). You and your family may choose to use this list during the first consultation or at any time throughout your care.