What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Vaginal Cancer?

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

• What kind of vaginal cancer do I have?
• Has the cancer spread beyond my vagina?
• What’s the stage of the cancer? What does this mean to me?
• What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend? Why?
• What risks and side effects can I expect from treatment?
• Will I be able to have children after treatment?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Should I follow a special diet?
• Based on what you’ve learned about my cancer, what’s my prognosis (chances of survival)?
• What are the chances my cancer will recur (come back) with the treatment plans we have discussed?
• How long will it take me to recover from treatment?
• Will I be able to have sex after treatment? What reconstructive surgery, if any, will I need?
• When can I go back to work after treatment?
• How many patients with vaginal cancer do you treat each year?
• Should I get a second opinion?

You will no doubt have other questions about your own situation. Write your questions down so that you remember to ask them during each visit with your cancer care team. Keep in mind, too, that doctors are not 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.