Questions for your doctors

By Annie Angle, cancer nurse, Dip. Oncology Nursing, Royal Marsden, London

Reviewed by: Dr Michael Jefford MBBS, MPH, MHlthsevMt, PhD, MRACMA, FRACP
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

You may find the following list helpful when thinking about questions for your doctor after your treatment.

• Am I at risk of getting long-term complications because of my cancer or its treatment?
• What can I do to help with feeling so tired all the time?
• Where can I get help for dealing with my feelings?
• How do I know if I need counselling for my emotional concerns?
• Can you refer me for counselling?
• Do I have to pay for counselling?
• Is there a special diet I should follow to stay healthy after my treatment finishes?
• Is there anyone I can talk to about eating a healthier diet?
• It hurt when we had intercourse. Why?
• What can I do if I can't get an erection?
• I have vaginal dryness. What would you recommend?
• Would you recommend hormone replacement therapy?
• Where can I get information about finding a sexual counsellor or therapist?
• What sexual changes are likely to be short-term and what changes are likely to be long-term?
• Am I likely to have long-term problems with pain?
• How can I control my pain?
• Are there any complementary therapies that I may find helpful?
• Will I always worry about my cancer coming back?
• Am I likely to get another, different cancer?
• Are there any problems that I should watch out for?
• Is it possible to talk to someone who has had a similar experience to me?
• Are my children at risk of inheriting my cancer?
• Who do I talk to about financial problems I may have?

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