Questions to Ask About Colorectal Cancer

It’s important to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team.

When you’re told you have colorectal cancer

The cancer care team wants to answer all of your questions, so that you can make informed treatment and life decisions. For instance, consider these questions:

• Where is the cancer located?
• Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
• What is the cancer’s stage (extent), and what does that mean?
• Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• Should I see a genetic counselor to guide future screening for myself and my family?
• Has my cancer been checked for gene changes that could help you choose my treatment options?
• Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals?
• If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?

When deciding on a treatment plan

• What are my treatment options?
• If surgery is part of my treatment, will I need an ostomy? If so, will it be temporary or permanent? Who will teach me how to care for it?
• What do you recommend and why?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion? How do I do that? Can you recommend someone?
• What would the goal of the treatment be?
• How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? Are there things I can do to reduce these side effects?
• If considering having children in the future, does this treatment affect my fertility and family planning?
• How might treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work full time?
• What are the chances that I can be cured of this cancer with these treatment options?
• What would my options be if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer comes back (recurs) after treatment?
• What if I have transportation problems getting to and from treatment?

During treatment

Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful.

• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Can I exercise during treatment? If so, what kind should I do, and how often?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
• What if I need social support during treatment because my family lives far away?

After treatment

• Do I need a special diet after treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What kind of exercise should I do now?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
• When should my next colonoscopy be done?
• Will I need any blood tests?
• How will we know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for?
• What will my options be if the cancer comes back?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship.