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Questions for the Oncologist

An oncologist is a specialist in the treatment of cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be a frightening time in the patient's life, but there are several kinds of questions you should ask the oncologist to better understand your diagnosis and your prognosis. A cancer diagnosis by one oncologist might not be the final answer. Consider other opinions from qualified experts before moving forward with treatment.

  1. Experience

    • If you have just been given a diagnosis of cancer, you should be expected to question the doctor's ability to make that critical diagnosis. Ask the oncologist how many cases like yours she has dealt with in her career, and what results she achieved with those patients. Your oncologist's experience in treating your type of cancer might help you to decide whether you get a second opinion. OncologyChannel.com suggests asking what kind of cancer you have and how the oncologist developed his diagnosis. Understanding how the diagnosis was made can help you to better understand the treatment.

    Treatment

    • There are many treatment options available, and discussing them with the oncologist can help to put your mind at ease. Cancer is sometimes treated in stages: first surgery to remove the cancer, and then treatments to stop it from spreading. Discuss these options with your oncologist to determine which is best for you. Ask how long you will stay in the hospital and what kind of recovery schedule you can expect.

    Long-Term Prognosis

    • One of the factors that determines treatment is your long-term prognosis. Ask your oncologist what would constitute a successful initial treatment, and what kind of ongoing medical monitoring you might have to endure after that. What will your quality of life be? Is this cancer the kind that remains in remission, or can you expect recurring bouts for the rest of your life? Will you need professional in-home care, and what kinds of activities should you avoid?

    Second Opinions

    • Your oncologist might suggest that you seek a second opinion. If this happens it is important to find out why. Your treatment might require a team of doctors and specialists. It is not unusual to deal with more than one doctor when going through cancer treatment. Ask your other doctors about their experiences with your condition and how they would recommend you approach treatment. The more questions you ask, the better you will feel about the challenges you face.

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