Planning cancer treatment takes time. Most people want to start treatment right away. They worry that extra time taken to do tests or other things will take up precious time that could be spent treating the cancer.

How long is too long to wait before treatment?

Different types of cancer grow at different rates. Certain types of leukemias and lymphomas tend to grow more quickly than solid tumors. But most cancers do not grow very quickly, so there is usually plenty of time to get information about your cancer, see specialists, and make decisions about what treatment option is best for you. Keep in mind that the information gathered during this time is key to planning the best treatment plan for you. If you are worried that treatment is not starting right away, discuss your concerns with your cancer care team and be sure that any delays will not cause more problems.

How does my doctor know how to treat my cancer?

The type of treatment you get will depend on a lot of information. The type of cancer (including the location and cell type), the stage or extent of your cancer, and your overall health are the most important issues. Other things to think about are your personal situation (including how well you can travel and take part in treatment), the effectiveness of each treatment in your case, as well as the possible side effects and risks of each type of treatment.

Your cancer will first gather information about your cancer. A biopsy and other lab tests, physical exams, imaging tests, and your signs and symptoms, are all used to decide on the best treatment for you. Your doctor will use all of this information to choose treatment options and make recommendations for treatment. Your doctor may talk with other experts to help plan your treatment.

What should I ask my doctor?

Your relationship with your doctor is a key part of your care. You will likely have one doctor who coordinates all of your care. This doctor should be someone that you feel comfortable with and someone who listens to your concerns and answers all of your questions. Your doctor will explain your diagnosis, your health condition, your treatment options, and your progress throughout treatment.

There will also be nurses with special training and skills who will be working with your doctor. These nurses are there to help you with your treatment or any side effects you may have. In many cases, the nurse can answer your questions. Nurses can also help you get the answers you need from other members of your health care team.

Like all good relationships, your relationship with your doctor is a 2-way street. It is your job to ask questions, learn about your treatment, and to become an active part of your cancer care team. Doctors may differ in how much information they give to people with cancer and their families. And people who are newly diagnosed also may differ in the amount of information they need or want. If your doctor is giving you too much or too little information, let him know. Feel free to ask your doctor questions and let him know what you need.

The following are examples of questions you may want to ask:

• What type of cancer do I have? What is the stage or extent of my cancer?
• What is my outlook for the future (prognosis), as you see it?
• What treatment do you suggest and why?
• What is the goal of treatment -- to cure or to control my symptoms?
• What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
• What are the pros and cons of my treatment?
• Are there other treatments for me to consider?
• How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
• How long will my treatments last?
• What if I miss a treatment?
• What kind of changes will I need to make in my work, family life, and leisure time?
• What are the names of the drugs I will take? What are they for?
• What other drugs or treatments might I have?
• How will you know whether my treatment is working?
• Why do I need blood tests and how often will I need them?
• If other specialists take part in my care, who will be in charge of my treatment plan?
• What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
• If I do not feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
• What are the chances that my cancer may come back (recur) with the treatment plans we have discussed?
• What can I do to be ready for treatment?
• Will I still be able to have children after treatment?
• Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
• Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
• How much will treatment cost? Will my insurance pay for it?
• What is the best time to call you if I have a question?
• Should I think about entering a clinical trial?

Make sure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been answered. It may take more than 1 visit to discuss all of your concerns, and new questions may come to mind. It might be hard to remember all your doctor talks about. Some people find it helpful to take notes, bring a family member or friend, tape record the conversations, and/or bring a list of questions and write down the doctor's answers.

Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment. Asking for a second opinion does not mean that you don't like or trust your doctor. Doctors understand you need to feel that all options for the best treatment are being explored. You can also ask whether your doctor has talked with other specialists at the treatment center.

Go back to After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families

Last Medical Review: 03/19/2008
Last Revised: 05/22/2009