Diagnosis
- What type of cancer do I have, and where is it located?
- What stage is the cancer? Has it spread beyond where it first started?
- Will I need any tests and scans?
- Are there lifestyle changes I should try to make before treatment?
Treatment
- What are the treatment options for the type and stage of cancer I have?
- What are the aims of each treatment (e.g. cure, control, symptom relief)?
- What are the potential side effects and risks?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
- How will treatment affect my daily life?
- Are there any clinical trials that may be suitable for me?
- What is the likely outcome (prognosis) of the cancer?
- Will I need to see other specialists as part of my care?
- Will treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?
- How often will I need check-ups or scans during and after treatment?
Support
- What support services are available for me and my family?
- Who do I contact if I have questions or side effects between appointments?
Costs
- What are the out-of-pocket costs likely to be? Can you provide a written estimate of the doctors’ fees, hospital costs and other treatment costs?
- Can I have the test or treatment in the public system? If I have the test or treatment in the private system, what will I have to pay?
- If I have treatment as a private patient, what costs will be covered by my private health insurance policy?
- Does the hospital or doctor have an arrangement with my private health insurer to help reduce my costs (e.g. medical gap scheme)?
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