Research proves that when you’re prepared mentally and physically for the cancer treatment you are about to endure, you tend to experience better results. It’s  always advised to talk to your doctor about the treatment protocol for any disease. Following doctor’s blindly, without understanding the how, what and why of the treatment will make it difficult to cope up with the journey ahead. 

For a disease like cancer,  it’s always important that you openly talk to your doctor  about your fears, smoking habits, drinking and cancer treatment. Don’t hold back on any doubts or questions that you want to ask. By doing this,  you can actively participate in taking care of your health and know what to expect. 

But many don’t even know where to start and what to ask, hence we say begin here: CARER Program has shortlisted some of questions that you can ask your doctor. 

Questions for when you are diagnosed with cancer

  1. Where is the cancer located?
  2. Is it a genetically transferred cancer and does anyone have the risk of getting it?

Questions during cancer diagnosis and tests

  1. What are the tests and procedures that needs to be done?
  2. Will this conclude that I have cancer?
  3. How often should I have to undergo these tests?
  4. How should I communicate to my family and friends  about the diagnosis?
  5. Will I need to repeat any tests or procedures if I seek a second opinion?

Questions on staging

  1. What stage is my cancer at?
  2. Has it spread to any other part of my body?
  3. Is this the primary origin of the cancer?
  4. How long will it take for me to completely recover?

Questions during treatment

  1. Which treatment suits me best given my background case and diagnosis?
  2. Is this is the usual protocol?
  3. How often do I have to come for treatment? How long is the treatment cycle? 
  4. Will this treatment cure the cancer or just prevent it form spreading further?
  5. Will there be any other adjuvant therapy?
  6. What are the probable side-effects of the treatment? How can I prevent them?
  7. How will the treatment affect my pregnancy?
  8. Will the treatment affect my libido?
  9. Are they any chances of relapse?
  10. What are the lifestyle changes that needs to go along with my treatment?
  11. How can I support my immune system after the treatment?

Question on support services

  1. Are they any support groups or platforms who can take care of my financial burden?
  2. How do I deal with the cost of the treatment?
  3. Are they any support groups that I can be a part of?
  4. Are they any counselling sessions in your hospital?

Just so that you know: (CARER Program helps you to deal with the emotional trauma by arranging counselling sessions for cancer patients and caregivers. To know more about CARER,  click here)

Questions after treatment

  1. How do I manage the side-effects of the treatment?
  2. How long with these side-effects of the treatment last?
  3. What is my follow-up schedule?
  4. How soon can I start exercising and being active?
  5. How can I tweak my lifestyle to get back to normalcy and decrease the chances of relapse?
  6. Are there any programs or services you recommended to help me recover , heal and rehabilitate back into health?

Just so that you know: (We have Luke Coutinho, Integrative Medicine and Lifestyle specialist team on board CARER to help you make a shift in your lifestyle in the most easiest and convenient way. To know more,  click  here)

Questions on grooming

  1. How do I deal with the skin discolourations and hair loss?
  2. Can I wear a cooling cap? Would that restrict my hair loss?
  3. Where can I buy a lymphedema garment?
  4. What type of movement exercises can I do?

CARER program has an entire section dedicated to grooming and if you’re confused on how much to exercise or what to do, we are here to help you. To know more, click here. 

Start your treatment with positivity and confidence instead of panic and worry. By clearing all your doubts and fears,  however small they are, your anxiety levels decrease . As it might be difficult with remembering and processing it at the spot, make a recording of everything and write it down.