I Have Breast Cancer
Questions to ask your Doctor
Here are a few questions to ask your doctor or surgeon in order to better understand your condition.
After the diagnosis
- At what stage of development is my cancer?
- Has my cancer spred to other parts of my body?
- What tests will I have to take? How long are they going to take?
- How should I prepare for these tests?
- When will I get the results?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- Are there other treatments to consider?
- What are the risks if I don’t have the recommended treatment?
- Do you know if there are any clinical trials ongoing for my type of cancer?
Before the treatment
- Where will the treatment take place and when will it begin?
- Will I have to spend the night in the hospital to receive treatment? Will I be able to drive or should I ask somebody to drive me home?
- Are there side effects?
- What are the most probable side effects?
- Are any of these side effects permanent?
During treatment
- When will I get the results of a treatment?
- To whom may I ask about pain relief and nutrition? Can I count on the healthcare team to help me?
- What can I do to minimize the side effects?
- What should I do if I have a fever? Who should I call? Is there an emergency number I can call?
- Am I allowed to drink alcoholic beverages during treatment?
Psychological support
- How do I tell my loved ones that I have breast cancer?
- Can I count on support services? Where can I meet people in the same situation as mine?
- Is there some kind of support for my family and my friends?
- Will I be able to take care of myself or will I need help? Who can I discuss getting help with?
Follow-up care
- How often should I see my doctor after treatment?
- Should I see my family doctor for follow-up tests?
Source: Canadian Cancer Society