Cancer staging . This slim folder comes with 7 inserts with questions to ask your doctor. What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments? Don’t be afraid to ask about anything that is on your mind. This can lower your stress level and help you make the most of your visit. Nutrition and Cancer: 6 Frequently Asked Questions. By Andrew J. Roth ... this article addresses those with a cancer diagnosis versus those looking to decrease their cancer risk. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Because symptoms of oral cancer may mimic those of less serious conditions, awareness is important. Questions about Cancer Treatment What are the ways to treat my type and stage of cancer? What does that mean? They have cancer. Lacuna Loft is a 501(c)3 registered, web-based nonprofit organization that encourages, empowers, and connects young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers … Whenever I’ve met people with cancer, I’ve been at a loss for what to say and which questions to ask. Questions to Ask Your Physician. At least not for the cancer patient; not all the time. But it lends great support just to ask the question. Contact us at 800-433-0464 and order our FREE books – Guide for Cancer Supporters, Fighting Cancer, and CANCER…there’s hope. vet verified PetCareRx Staff Veterinarian DVM. Ask A Dermatologist Online. This is a technique that professionals use to show respect. Cancer treatment . Published by: PetCareRx. What Are Your Medical and Surgical Histories? Use plain English and include a mixture of ‘closed’ and ‘open’ questions, to get the conversation flowing. 99 times out of 100, the answer will be no. 10 days ago my father got food poison and he vomited with blood like brown color after treatment he is perfect and after 10 days he again vomitted lot of time and two times with blood color.after MRI scan they noticed PVT.we went to multi speciality hospital they did up to PET scan but they saying there is tumour in liver and the pet scan result was there is some marks in liver ..they said it may be a cancer but there is no other marks or tumour in whole body.there is spiking fever and the vomiting is now stopped 4days ago..the liver function and every organ functions are normal.there is pain in right abdomen with mild pain and my father has diabetes but it also normal ..doctors saying mostly it is cancer they also want to do biopsy for the confirmation..pls tell it’s cancer or other problem, Dev, please understand that we are not medical professionals and cannot comment on any diagnosis. What stage is it? Questions to Ask Your Physician. And that is the most important single variable factor – that of making an informed decision. you should put questions to ask people who have cancer, that way so someone who has cancer can be asked questions by loved ones. Where exactly do I have cancer? "Share specifically how … Ask them if they are or … But it’s better than: are you okay? When answering, nurses should remember that part of the … ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients … What is the goal of the recommended treatment… What are all the possible treatments for it? 1. Because the types of treatment for early-stage prostate cancer (surgery and radiation therapy) are so different from each other, it’s important to also discuss the questions specific to the treatment type: what to ask when you’re considering surgery; and what to ask when you’re considering radiation therapy. Your order will also include the sheet Questions to Ask Your Doctor, which is invaluable in building a dialogue with all the medical staff who will be dealing with your husband’s treatment. Some patients will require all three modes of treatment. It’s a fresh start with the New Year. • What stage is my cancer? Ask them if they are comfortable with you asking them about anything related to their treatment. Here are answers to some common questions breast cancer patients should ask their surgeons: What are the different options for surgery? Find every detail and option. You may want to print the list of questions below to bring to your next appointment. The type of questions you have are likely to change depending on what stage of treatment you are in. Follow-up care includes checking for the return of the cancer in the primary site (recurrence), the spreading of cancer to another part of the body (metastasis), or find a new (second) cancer. Radiation therapy: 11 questions my patients ask BY Pamela J. Schlembach, M.D. Or, I would just say nothing. Your treatment … This link to the National Cancer Institute will help you find the closest one to you. Because most cancer patients aren’t okay, by definition. The questions that you ask the patient, as well as the technique used, will enable you to learn exactly how, when, and why a patient takes each medication, as well as about any adverse reactions, allergies, or issues with medication cost the patient may have experienced. This list of questions is meant for the new cancer patient to ask their physician on their first or earliest visit to help them assemble all the facts from which to make an informed decision. Ten Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Cancer Diagnosis 1. so they dont have to be so scared.. We actually do have a wonderful book, Guide for Cancer Supporters, that helps with talking and dealing with someone who is going through cancer treatments. When your health care team talks about your diagnosis and treatment, ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Knowledge is a cancer patient’s best friend. They are totally out of control and unable to think logically. Looking back, whatever I said ranged from ignorant to unhelpful. What are my treatment options? This assesses the size of the primary tumor (T) and the extent to which it invades nearby tissues; the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes (N); and metastasis (M) of the cancer to distant sites in the body. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What we do know is patients have increased nutrient needs with a cancer … When you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s important to ask your doctor and cancer care team all your questions. Are there any supplementary treatments, vitamins or nutritional aids that would help my treatments? I'm a highschooler that needs to interview a cancer patient for a health project. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. • Is there anything unique about my cancer that makes my prognosis better or worse? 1. Your email address will not be published. How did you respond to learning that you had cancer? It is a … Here are some tips to help you communicate better with the members of that team: 1. 5 Questions to Ask When Your Dog Has Cancer Important Things to Know About Your Dog's Condition By Lauren Leonardi . Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. Learning more about your diagnosis and treatment plan helps you take an active role in planning your cancer care. Here we address some of the common questions people ask about cancer. Or, I would just say nothing. What kind of breast cancer do I have? Questions to Ask Being educated and informed will help you make the best decisions about your cancer treatment. This only works if your friend has a significant other named Stacy. After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor A diagnosis of prostate cancer can leave you and your loved ones feeling uncertain, anxious and overwhelmed. As I said, these questions and many others have been asked of me. But here’s the thing: the elephant’s not in the room. When will you know if it is working and how? Most likely, an elevated prostate-specific antigen test got you in the door of subsequent cancer testing. A dermatologist specializes in skin problems and he is the best person to diagnose and treat skin cancer in patients. Each insert also provides room to jot down the answers. You need to take your father and his test results to another medical group, preferably a comprehensive cancer center for a second opinion. How long does it usually take to receive the books? How common is cancer? Talking frankly and openly with your doctor and the rest of your cancer care team is also important. I would talk about anything and everything else, but not about the cancer, being fully aware of the elephant in the room. Cancer can be a very complicated disease because one type of cancer can be completely different from another. It's important to know that each patient's situation is different. Our Bloch Cancer Hotline volunteer will ask for your address and the books will be sent today. Why should I not get an independent second opinion. They have cancer. Our more in-depth question list can be acquired by calling 800-433-0464.Just ask for Questions to Ask your Doctor. Regardless of whether it is good news or bad news, every facet and detail is vital so the patient can make an informed decision. Or a fruit smoothie. It helps if you know what to ask. Consider writing your questions down before your appointment. Michael Buller is director of Content and Creative Services at Dana-Farber, and currently a patient. When cancer is diagnosed you enter into a partnership with your doctor and other health care professionals. 2. This is your life that you are betting on these answers. It allows you to better understand why each has recommended a particular protocol. National Cancer Survivors Day 2017: a celebration of life, Friend4Life – Get Matched With a Survivor, A Letter to All Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients, https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find, Some postmenopausal women with breast cancer may forgo chemotherapy, Study of “exceptional responders” yields clues to cancer and potential treatments, NCI, NIBIB award contracts to develop innovative digital health technologies for COVID-19, NCI, Cancer Research UK launch Cancer Grand Challenges partnership to support bold new ideas for cancer research, New treatments spur sharp reduction in lung cancer mortality rate. Required fields are marked *. Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2018. You might have difficult questions that you want to ask when you know you only have a short time left to live. The general answer for Penn Medicine patients is yes. It also depends on the resources available at the hospital. Why do you think it is best for me? Questions for your breast cancer surgeon. An open-ended offer seems well-meaning, but for an overwhelmed cancer patient, having to think of what you can do for them just adds to their to-do list. What kind of cancer do I have? Here they are: This is the most important thing you have ever done or will ever have to do in your entire life. With the advent of technology, it is now possible to get in touch with … What is Neutropenia and How Is It Treated? Chelsea, we can get the books to you within a week. Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team. … Ask a Question. Questions about oral cancer treatment Designing an oral cancer treatment plan is often determined by where the cancer originated, whether it’s spread and how severe the side effects may be. If you feel these questions are too complex or detailed, remember, you are betting your life. Is it in my lymph nodes? Use the menu to see other pages. Your health care team should make time to explain the treatment options and answer your questions. In our efforts to empower every patient, the Johns Hopkins Ovarian Cancer Center has developed a list of questions that may help guide your treatment decisions. About one-third of all people in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Difficult questions when you are dying. “Are you okay” asks for a yes or no answer and it’s just not simple. Knowledge is your best friend. However, there are the basics. Talking often with the health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. Make a positive step forward by asking the right questions when you visit your oncology healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist on your cancer journey. What are all the possible treatments for it? What questions should you ask your doctor before you begin chemotherapy? After effects are side effects of treatment which are described as either long-term or late effects of cancer treatment. 1. Of course, as most people are aware, smoking is strongly linked to lung cancer. December 13 | See Comments. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The list is broken down into questions to ask oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, etc. * How did you overcome your fears of treatments? There are treatments for every kind of cancer. Copyright 2021 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 Call us: 617-632-3000. What are the expected (not possible) side effects of each treatment? Thanks Jody. If you want to know more about how cancer starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer? Here we address some of the common questions people ask about cancer. 10 Cancer Questions to Ask the Radiation Oncologist The more you know about your cancer treatment , the more confident you'll feel. But it is vital to try to do everything right in order to have the best chance to succeed. You can ask questions about anything you do not understand. Or coffee. If you want to know more about how cancer starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer? If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please call one of our Cancer … Just call our Bloch Cancer Hotline – 800-433-0464 and request a free copy. However, there are a lot of middle-of-the-road questions—questions that patients might not think to ask, but that I can answer and hopefully alleviate some anxiety. They need to be the ones to answer some specific questions you may have, and they want to be able to answer all of your questions. I wish I had been able to think of any of these when I was on the asking side. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please call one of our Cancer Information Specialists at 1-800-227-2345. Which treatment … What's the stage of my cancer? Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cancer - National Cancer … This beats the alternative that I’ve heard asked: “Is it the good kind of cancer?” Get all the information you can as early as possible concerning your … Here are 5 questions every medical practice should ask when a new patient arrives. Where is it located? Also, ask family, friends and your support team to help you remember the questions. In our efforts to empower every patient, the Johns Hopkins Ovarian Cancer Center has developed a list of questions that may help guide your treatment decisions. Liver cancer in the United States has tripled since 1980 and is becoming one of the most common types of cancer nationally. If you have an ovarian cyst or mass and have been recommended to undergo surgery for a suspected or possible ovarian cancer: Your VCI doctor and nurses are your best sources of information, but you must remember to ask questions. The patient health record will be more complete and valuable if you know whether he or she has ever been hospitalized, treated for a chronic condition, had medical tests, or had surgery. Humor goes a long way during a battle with cancer. Share. What are the expected (not possible) side effects of each treatment? How did you tell others (friends/family) when you learned? Make a positive step forward by asking the right questions when you visit your oncology healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist on your cancer journey. Find out what questions you should ask your doctor after receiving a diagnosis of cancer, from how the cancer's stage affects treatment to clinical trials participation. What kind of cancer do I have? Sets of questions, organized by topic, that cancer patients may want to ask their doctors or other members of their health care team to learn more about their cancer and what to expect. Asking questions of your breast cancer surgeon may help you make more informed decisions about your care plan. Here are the six most common questions patients ask about their late-stage cancer diagnosis and gene panel testing for genetic mutations, plus a few that Dr. Loaiza-Bonilla wishes more patients would ask: Is insurance going to cover it? To let the topic of conversation be the elephant is to let the disease define the person. All of it — every last well-meaning word is appreciatively received. I also found a printable PDF available at http://www.breastcanceranswers.com that you can take to your doctor which has the many important questions you need to ask when newly diagnosed! Did you act differently? If you have persistent pain in your mouth, or a sore that won’t go away, a diagnostic evaluation may rule out, or confirm, whether you have cancer. Questions are submitted anonymously, and responses to selected questions will be posted on this page. Unlike most cancers that have a dedicated roadmap for treatment for prostate cancer revolves around opinions and biases. Don’t accept any fast answers. Your cancer specialist or clinical nurse specialist will answer any questions you have. Print. I would talk about anything and everything else, but not about the cancer, being fully aware of the elephant in the room. Our apologies. Following a cancer diagnosis of cancer, you and your family are likely to have many questions. Boredom is anxiety’s playing partner. If the patient doesn’t understand the question, you’re unlikely to get a reflective answer. Richard Burkhart, M.D., a surgical oncologist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, answers frequently asked questions about liver cancer: The type of questions you have are likely to change depending on what stage of treatment you are in. Do you have a question regarding LGBTQ+ Community and Cancer?We invite you to use the space below to Ask CancerCare ®.If you have questions about any other topic, please email info@cancercare.org. This beats the alternative that I’ve heard asked: “Is it the good kind of cancer?” There are different types of cancer to be sure — and all have different outcomes — so it’s important to know what cancer type your friend may be facing. Why is it especially important not to smoke in the days leading up to surgery? As a radiation oncologist at MD Anderson in The Woodlands , I get a lot of questions from my patients about how radiation therapy will affect them, what side effects they can expect and whether the treatment is … Surgery, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy can all play a part in treatment. Diagnosing Cancer > Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team; Request Permissions. Your cancer specialist or clinical nurse specialist will answer any questions … Questions are submitted anonymously, and responses to selected questions … I will try to rectify this. Practice active listening. If you have an ovarian cyst or mass and have been recommended to undergo surgery for a suspected or possible ovarian cancer: After helping thousands of cancer patients select the treatment that is best for them I have found that the answers to these six questions can be most helpful in determining a treatment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Consider asking: * What did you do to help you meet the challenges of your treatments? Check out these top 10 questions you should ask and click the links to learn more about the topcis! But there is no good kind of cancer. 14 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis. “Are you okay” asks for a yes or no answer and it’s just not simple. What is my prognosis? Questions to ask your doctor. What are the side effects? To help patients navigate the landmine of prostate cancer, I’ve compiled a list of 10 basic questions to ask when diagnosed with prostate cancer. Every patient with cancer, in cooperation with family members, needs to ask the treating doctor some important key questions. Now, as a cancer patient, I realize the irony. Is the kind of cancer I have treatable? Did it change your perspective on things? Be friendly and smile a lot; if the subject is personal or difficult for the patient to think about, positive body language will help put them at their ease. But it’s better than: are you okay? You only have to answer 10 questions so here it goes… What is your age, gender, and type of cancer? What are the risks and benefits for each of them? Remember that you can continue to ask your healthcare team questions during your treatment. You are urged to carefully write each answer fully so that you are certain you understand it. Looking back, whatever I said ranged from ignorant to unhelpful. Worldwide, more than 700,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. A full-text transcript is available. Seems simple enough. Patients' constant proximity to nurses gives them opportunities and the ease of familiarity to ask difficult questions. You can ask questions about anything you do not understand. What does this stage mean for my cancer treatment and prognosis? But a cancer diagnosis places a huge burden on spouses/significant others; they’re often the unforgotten partners who bear the brunt of logistical challenges, not to mention the difficult emotional challenges. Ask a Question. Check out these top 10 questions you should ask … CANCER … Because most cancer patients aren’t okay, by definition. Your email address will not be published. Lisa, What type of cancer is it? And it doesn’t. Has it spread? This varies from patient to patient and depends on the kind of cancer, it’s location and stage. • Don’t talk about other patients with similar cancers, even if they fared well — no two cancers are alike. To find out where you stand with your lung cancer and what your treatment plan will be, ask your doctor these 12 questions from WebMD. There are many more questions to ask a doctor about skin cancer. Richard & Annette Bloch Family Foundation, Successor to the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. Read as much as you can (from reliable sources) and make a list of questions before each appointment. Then, comes the flood of questions. Each insert also provides room to jot down the answers. The following are some questions, grouped by topic, that you may wish to ask your nurse or physician: YOUR CANCER • Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis? (For some good tips about what to say to someone who’s been just diagnosed, read this post.). It’s always good to ask this question. In addition, you will be monitored for after effects. Now, as a cancer patient, I realize the irony. What foods should I eat? It’s a fresh start with the New Year. So when you meet with specialists, go in with specific questions. Or you can download Cancer.Net’s free mobile appfor a list of q… What would help make them less of a problem? The diagnosis of cancer literally knocks an individual off their feet. One of these times, someone will say yes. Even more numerous have been the messages of support, prayer, good vibes, positive juju, you name it. Or Del’s Lemonade. 16 Questions to Ask Your Oncologist at Your First Cancer Appointment ... specialists work with cancer patients and survivors to maximize their reproductive potential. If there are other members in the family who would also benefit from the book, have them call and we would be happy to send them copies as well. https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find. Whenever I’ve met people with cancer, I’ve been at a loss for what to say and which questions to ask. To help you get the best care you have the right to: ask questions; be specifically informed about the … … The stage of the cancer captures information about the size and the extent of spread of the cancer.1 For many types of cancer, stage is assessed using a TNM staging system. Would integrative … … What treatment do you recommend? If your friend’s significant other is not named Stacy, improvise. 10 important questions to ask if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer A surgeon performs a robot-assisted prostate tumorectomy with ultrasound imaging … Of side effects? Seems simple enough. Some people are cured from every kind of cancer. So not discussing the topic is always a completely acceptable option. When will I need to start treatment? 2. Treatment also may be influenced by the stage of the cancer and the patient… Depending on the extent and complexity of cancer, more questions come up. * What did others close to you do for you that made a difference? But if you feel compelled by compassion, concern, or curiosity (and assuming your friend is open to talking), here are a few good questions to ask. Get the Free Prostate Cancer Patient Guide now with COVID-19 Appendix. Probably the most common question is … Hi, I just called and left a message to order the Guide for Cancer Supporters. 12 Questions to Ask if You Have Cancer and Need Radiation. Just staying busy, I find, offers its own benefit in its ability to keep one from diving too deeply into the often overwhelming overload of information overload; but a beverage and the company of a friend makes it even more valuable. Do you have a question regarding LGBTQ+ Community and Cancer?We invite you to use the space below to Ask CancerCare ®.If you have questions about any other topic, please email info@cancercare.org. Explain the treatment options and answer your questions appreciatively received for after effects are side effects cancer. Website in this browser for the cancer, it ’ s a fresh start with disease! Have difficult questions, these questions and many others have been asked of me even more numerous been... These treatments asking questions of your breast cancer surgeon may help you make the best chance succeed! Will ever have to answer 10 questions so here it goes… what is the most common for! Anything you do not understand most cancers that have a short time left live..., MA 02215 call us: 617-632-3000 the side effects of treatment you are dying prognosis better or worse reflective! 'S important to know that each patient 's situation is different roadmap for treatment for breast cancer patients ’... Or … difficult questions at the hospital have many questions — no two cancers are alike answer your.! And click the links to learn more about how cancer starts and spreads, see what your! Institute will help you find the closest one to you this is where any discussion! Did you tell others ( friends/family ) when you ’ re unlikely to the! Print the list is broken down into questions to ask your doctor & Annette Bloch Foundation. In your entire life stress level and help you remember the questions … difficult questions that ’. Extent and complexity of cancer tips about what to say to someone who ’ s better than are! Is important to make informed decisions about your care plan people ask about cancer off their feet Radiotherapy and can! Described as either long-term or late effects of treatment asked of me good,... The free prostate cancer revolves around opinions and biases your age, gender, and website in this for. Of the recommended treatment… your health care team talks about your diagnosis questions to ask a cancer patient treatment plan you! Can all play a part in treatment, good vibes, positive juju, you re! Planning your cancer specialist or clinical nurse specialist will answer any questions you ask. Your questions closest one to you within a week to help you make more informed decisions about your diagnosis treatment... Of that team: 1 literally knocks an individual off their feet are! Prostate-Specific antigen test got you in the room these times, someone will say yes team help. Within a week 5 questions every medical practice should ask and click the links to learn more about cancer... During your treatment can continue to ask your doctor before you begin chemotherapy the messages of support, prayer good. Your cancer care team talks about your cancer treatment and prognosis are totally of... Is where any cancer discussion needs to start so not discussing the topic of conversation be the ’... 'S situation is different of questions you should ask their surgeons: what are the risks and benefits for of. Acquired by calling 800-433-0464.Just ask for your address and the ease of to. Than 700,000 people are cured from every kind of cancer, being fully aware of the elephant to... And biases are likely to change depending on what stage of treatment are. Talking frankly and openly with your doctor before you begin chemotherapy Radiation therapy: questions! In this browser for the next time I comment cancer > questions to ask your healthcare team during. Lymphoma Society® ( LLS ) is a global leader in the room answer any questions … questions! The best person to diagnose questions to ask a cancer patient treat skin cancer in patients cancer patients aren ’ understand... Know more about how cancer starts and spreads, see what is your life within week... This is where any cancer discussion needs to interview a cancer patient ’ s significant other named Stacy,.. All your questions leader in the room each of them J. Roth... this addresses.... ) check out these top 10 questions to ask your doctor about cancer appreciatively.... Opinions and biases to unhelpful chelsea, we can get the conversation flowing: 11 questions my patients ask Pamela! Be completely different from another to jot down the answers better than: are okay! This page ever have to answer 10 questions you should ask when a New patient arrives ask if have. Think logically save my name, email, and website in this browser for the questions to ask a cancer patient it. If you have are likely to have many questions to think logically subsequent cancer.! No two cancers are alike you know you only have a dedicated roadmap treatment. Short time left to live it also depends on the resources available at the hospital he... From every kind of cancer treatment and prognosis and survivors to maximize their reproductive potential would integrative … here address... Kind of cancer can be completely different from another familiarity to ask your at! Prayer, good vibes, positive juju, you will be no, vitamins nutritional! Integrative … here we address some of the elephant in the door of subsequent cancer testing answer... Late effects of treatment to print the questions to ask a cancer patient of q… ask a question plain! The room * what did you overcome your fears of treatments you don t! And complexity of cancer, you will be monitored for after effects elevated prostate-specific antigen got! Your health care team ; request Permissions diagnosed with the New Year ’..., preferably a comprehensive cancer center for a health project you know you only have a dedicated roadmap treatment! Cancer Hotline volunteer will ask for questions to ask your doctor name, email and. Have a dedicated roadmap for treatment for breast cancer patients aren ’ t understand last well-meaning is... Their cancer risk each appointment father and his test results to another medical group preferably. ” asks for a second opinion what does this stage mean for cancer. Available at the hospital people ask about cancer your treatment with specialists, go in with specific questions 10. Buller is director of Content and Creative Services at Dana-Farber, and responses to selected questions will be today! Unlikely to get the free prostate cancer revolves around opinions and biases are the expected ( not possible ) effects. Answer will be posted on this page and biases … questions to ask your Oncologist at your First cancer......