Prostate Cancer: Ask Your Oncologist

Becoming a proactive partner in your health care means gathering as much information as you can about your prostate cancer and treatment plan. And you have one key resource right at your fingertips: your oncologist. Take advantage by asking these questions at your next exam. If it helps, ask a loved one to accompany you and jot down the answers for you 

Reviewed by Health Monitor Medical Advisory Board
  • What is the exact type of cancer I have?
  • May I have a copy of my pathology report?
  • What is the chance that the cancer has spread beyond my prostate? If so, is it still curable?
  • What other tests (if any) do you think I need and why?
  • Are there other types of doctors I should talk to before deciding on treatment?
  • What is the clinical stage and Gleason score of my cancer? What do those mean in my case?
  • Is watchful waiting (active surveillance) an option for me? Why or why not?
  • What treatment choices do I have? Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
  • What are the chances that the treatment will help?
  • What side effects are likely to result from the treatment(s) that you recommend? And what can I do to help reduce these side effects?
  • How would treatment affect my daily activities? Will I still be able to work during my treatment?
  • Would a second opinion be helpful to me? If so, where can I get one before I start treatment?
  • Are there any clinical trials? If so, how can I learn more?
  • What should I do to maintain my health and well-being?
  • Will there be any pain? If so, how can I best manage it?
  • What symptoms should I watch out for? If I develop any of those symptoms, whom should I call?
  • Will my health insurance cover my treatment?
  • Can you recommend a prostate cancer support group?
  • Are there any support groups for my family?
Published January 2013
Next - Prostate Cancer: Resources

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