Frequently
Asked Questions
Questions to Ask Doctors
General
- What tests do I need at this point?
- Are the tests painful? If so, is there anything I can
do to lessen the level of discomfort?
- How fast is my cancer growing?
- How much time do I have before I need to start treatment?
- How much is this going to cost? Does my insurance cover
the treatments you are recommending?
Surgery
- Why am I having this operation? What are the chances
of its success?
- Is there any other way to treat my cancer? If so, please
explain.
- Are you certified by the American Board of Surgery?
- How many operations like the one you are suggesting
have you done?
- Are you experienced in operating on my kind of cancer?
- Other than my cancer, am I healthy enough to tolerate
the stress of the surgery and anesthesia?
- Exactly what will you be doing and removing; in this
operation and why?
- How long will the surgery take?
- What can I expect after the operation? Will I be in
a great deal of pain? Will I have drains or catheters?
- How will my body be affected by the surgery?
- How long will it take for me to recover? Will any of
the side effects be permanent?
- How long will I be in the hospital after the surgery?
- What are the potential risks and side effects of this
operation?
- What is the risk of death or disability as a result
of this surgery?
- What will happen if I choose not to have the operation?
- What are the chances that the surgery will cure my cancer?
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