Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Vaginal Cancer

It’s important to have honest, open talks with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter how minor you might think they are. Here are some of the questions you might want to ask:

When you're told you have vaginal cancer

• What kind of vaginal cancer do I have?
• What’s the stage of the cancer? What does this mean to me?
• Will I need any other tests before we decide on treatment?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• 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

• How many patients with vaginal cancer do you treat each year?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of the treatment?
• What are the chances my cancer can be cured with these treatment options?
• How quickly do I need to decide on treatment?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like?
• Where will I get treatment?
• What risks and side effects can I expect from treatment, short-term and long-term?
• Will I be able to have children after treatment? Should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?
• What are the chances my cancer will recur (come back) with the treatment plans we have discussed?
• Will treatment affect my daily activities?

During treatment

• What can I do to prevent or relieve side effects?
• How will we know if treatment is working?
• Are there limits on what I should do?
• Should I follow a special diet?
• If I have questions or problems, who should I call?
• How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will they be needed?
• Will I be able to have sex after treatment?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

After treatment

• When can I safely go back to work after treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• How often will I need to have follow-up exams, blood work, and imaging 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 might want to ask if you qualify for a clinical trial.

Doctors aren't the only ones who can provide you with information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, may be able to answer your questions. You can find out more about speaking with your health care team in The Doctor-Patient Relationship.