It is important for you to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter how trivial you might think they are. Here are some questions to consider:

• What type of cervical cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the cervix?
• Can the stage of my cancer be determined and what does that mean?
• What are my treatment choices?
• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatment you suggest?
• Will I be able to have children after my treatment?
• What are my treatment options if I want to have children in the future?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• What are the chances my cancer will recur (come back) with the treatment programs we have discussed?
• Should I follow a special diet?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, what is my prognosis (outlook for chances of survival)?
• Where can I get a wig if I will receive chemotherapy drugs likely to cause temporary hair loss?
• What do I tell my children, husband, parents, and other family members?

In addition to these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want specific information about anticipated recovery times so that you can plan your work schedule. Or you may want to ask about second opinions or about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 09/14/2009
Last Revised: 01/19/2010