Patient guide

It is normal to forget questions in the consulting room. Use this list as a starting point, choose what matters to you, and add your own.

About the diagnosis

Understanding what has been found is the first step. You may ask the doctor to explain in simple words, or to draw it.

What exactly has been found, and in which part of the body?
Which tests confirmed this? Is any further test needed before a plan is made?
What does the biopsy report say, in plain words? (A biopsy is a small sample of tissue examined under a microscope.)
What are the stage and grade? What do these words mean for my case? (Stage describes how far the disease has spread. Grade describes how the cells look under the microscope.)
Has the disease spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere?
Should my reports or slides be reviewed by another specialist?

About treatment options

Cancer care is often planned by a team. Ask who is in that team and how decisions are made.

What are the treatment options for my case? Why do you suggest this one?
Will my case be discussed with other specialists, such as radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiotherapists?
Do I need surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination? In what order?
What may happen if I choose not to have surgery, or to wait?
Is there any other option, such as a different type of surgery or a different treatment?
How much time can I take to decide, and may I take a second opinion?

Knowing what will be done, and why, often makes the day of surgery less frightening.

What exactly will be removed, and why? Will any nearby organs or lymph nodes also be removed?
Is my case suitable for keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic surgery, or is open surgery better for me? Why?
What are the usual risks of this operation, and what is done to reduce them?
What kind of anaesthesia will be used, and who will look after me during the operation?
Will I need a stoma (an opening on the belly for passing stool or urine) or a drain (a thin tube that removes fluid)? Will it be temporary or permanent?
Will the operation change how I eat, speak, walk or look? Is there help for this?
How long will the operation take, and how will my family be kept informed?

Recovery is different for each person. Ask what is usual in your case, as your doctor advises.

How many days may I need to stay in hospital?
When can I eat and drink, and what diet should I follow at home?
How should I care for the wound and the stitches? When are they removed?
What pain relief will I have, and what can I do if the pain is not controlled?
When can I walk, climb stairs, bathe, travel and return to work or household tasks?
When will the final biopsy report of the removed tissue be ready, and will it change the plan?
How often will I need follow-up visits and tests, and for how long?

Money, paperwork and travel worry many families. It is fine to ask about these openly.

What is the likely cost of tests, admission and surgery? Please ask the clinic; do not rely on guesses from others.
Which government or insurance schemes may apply to me, and what papers are needed? Ask the clinic or hospital helpdesk.
Whom should I call if I have a question after I go home, and at what times?
Which signs mean I should come to the emergency department at once?
Can I have the treatment plan, the medicine list and the next appointment written down?

Write your questions before you come. Note the answers, new words and the next steps. A phone note works as well.

A second person can listen, ask what you forget and help remember later. It is common to take in only part of what is said on a difficult day.

You may ask for the plan, the medicines and the date of your next visit in writing. Ask again if something is not clear.

Bring this page, your reports and your questions to the consultation.