Before deciding on a treatment plan, it's important to understand the expected benefits, side effects and risks of each option. Patients should take written questions to each appointment. Start with the following:
imaging or a second opinion be helpful in establishing the diagnosis and making treatment decisions?
Would special tumor tests,
What is the goal of treatment? Is it curative, or will it extend life or help with symptoms?
that the treatment will work?
What are the chances
that the treatment is working?
How will it be determined
are there other options?
If the treatment does not work,
and side effects of the treatment? How do side effects of this treatment compare with side effects of other treatments?
What are the potential risks
, how often and for how long?
How will the treatment be given
to prepare for treatment and decrease the chance of side effects?
Are there ways
Will daily activities be restricted in any way? Diet? Work? Exercise? Sexual activities?
clinical trials to consider?
Are there any
How much will treatment cost? Will it be covered by insurance?
what are the chan-ces of being cured, in remission or relieved of symptoms?
After treatment,
Adapted with permission of the American Cancer Society
