Questions to ask your doctor about bowel cancer

Diagnosis

• What type of bowel cancer do I have?
• Has the cancer spread? If so, where has it spread? How fast is it growing?
• Are the latest tests and treatments for this cancer available in this hospital?
• Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?
• Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?

Treatment

• What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
• Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
• Will I need a stoma? If so, will it be temporary or permanent?
• Will you refer me to a stomal therapy nurse?
• If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
• How long do I have to make a decision?
• I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
• How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
• Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
• Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
• Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
• Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?

After treatment

• How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
• If the cancer returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?