As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, we encourage you to have honest, open talks with your doctor. 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 the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have?
• May I have a copy of my pathology report?
• What is the chance that the cancer has spread beyond my prostate? If so, is it still curable?
• What other tests (if any) do you think I need and why?
• What is the clinical stage and Gleason score of my cancer? What do those mean in my case?
• Is watchful waiting (active surveillance) an option for me? Why or why not?
• Do I need a radical prostatectomy or radiation? Why or why not?
• If I need a radical prostatectomy, will it be nerve sparing? Will it be lapararoscopic?
• What type of radiation treatment might be best for me?
• What other treatments might be right for me? Why?
• Among those treatments, what are the risks or side effects I should expect?
• What are the chances that I will have problems with incontinence or impotence?
• What are the chances that I will have other urinary or rectal problems?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back with the treatment you suggest? What would be our next step if this happened?
• What is my expected survival rate based on clinical stage, grade, and various treatment options?
• Should I follow a special diet?

Last Medical Review: 08/21/2009
Last Revised: 08/21/2009