As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open talks with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some questions you might want to ask. Be sure to add your own questions as you think of them. Nurses, social workers, and other members of your health care team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the place where it started?
• What is the stage of my cancer and what does that mean in my case?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• Are there any clinical trials that might be right for me?
• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• What are the risks or side effects that I should expect?
• How will this treatment affect my voice? If my larynx is removed, what are the options for restoring my voice?
• If I lose my hair what can I do about it?
• What are the chances my cancer will come back with these treatment plans?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, how long do you think I'll survive?

Last Medical Review: 05/27/2009
Last Revised: 05/27/2009