Patient Questions for
Physicians
Some
patients may not know where to start when diagnosed with a malignant
disease. The guidelines and questions below provide a starting
point for patients to build a relationship with their physician.
When
discussing your illness with your physician, be prepared to present
your medical history (often it helps to write it down and to have
it available in written form). Explain your symptoms accurately
in the chronological order they have occurred. That helps your
physician to make the right decisions for accurate diagnosis and
to determine the type of treatment that will be best for you.
Some of the types of question you may wish to ask are listed below:
What
is the nature of my disease?
What
treatments are available and what are the pros and cons of the
treatments you mentioned?
Will
experts from other specialities be involved in my treatment?
Can
you say how long my treatment will last?
What
are the possible side effects and how can they be prevented or
ameliorated?
What
happens if I experience a serious complication at home? Will
you or your institution be able to care for me?
When
do you think will I be able to resume my usual activities?
Can
you or someone from your team advise me on nutrition in cancer?
What
is the value of alternative treatments in my situation?
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