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. Take them with you to your next visit to the doctor. 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 lung cancer I have?
• May I have a copy of my pathology report?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the place where it started?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you suggest and why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• What are the chances my cancer can be cured with these options?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatment you suggest?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back after treatment? What would we do if that happens?
• Will I lose my hair? If so, what can I do about it?
• What should I do to get ready for treatment?

Last Medical Review: 11/03/2009
Last Revised: 11/03/2009