Top Questions to Ask Your Oncologist About Your Diagnosis

An oncologist is a doctor specializing in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Thus, if you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, it is natural to have a million questions for the oncologist. Patients can rest assured that these medical providers are here to answer questions relating to cancer screenings, tests, diagnoses, and treatments. Here are several of the most common to save for that first appointment.

Which type of cancer could it be?

There are many types and subtypes of cancer. According to Stanford Medicine, there are five categories of cancer depending on where they originate in the body:

• Carcinoma. Found in epithelial tissue, which covers or lines organs or other body structures.
• Sarcoma. Originating in connective tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, fat).
• Lymphoma. Originating in the lymphatic system.
• Leukemia. Blood cancers originating in the bone marrow.
• Myeloma. Originating in bone marrow’s plasma cells.

Understanding the specifics of one’s cancer diagnosis can provide peace of mind. It also gives a better idea of why an oncologist may recommend a specific treatment. Therefore, it is essential to ask for a detailed diagnosis.

What stage is the cancer?

Typically, an oncologist diagnoses and stages cancer at the same time. Staging cancer means determining whether it has spread to other organs or parts of the body. Most types of cancer are staged in five categories, from 0 (the earliest) to 4 (the most advanced).

Although the oncologist will likely discuss which stage the cancer is, make sure to ask for clarity if needed. Knowing the cancer stage empowers the patient to make important decisions regarding treatment. Keep in mind that cancers are sometimes staged after trying a nonsurgical treatment, such as chemotherapy, per the American Cancer Society (ACS).

What are my options for treatment?

An oncologist can recommend a specific cancer treatment to start with. Patients are encouraged to ask about all their options and voice any concerns, as it helps the oncologist develop a personalized treatment plan.

Note that cancer treatments can be systemic, impacting the entire body, or local, targeting the tumor or affected area only. Systemic treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Alternatively, an example of a local treatment would be surgery to remove a cancerous tumor or radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in a specific area.

Will I need multiple treatments?

Many can expect to receive more than one treatment. It is often recommended to combine systemic and local treatments to ensure that cancer cells are eliminated from the body entirely, not just most of them. For instance, it is common to receive chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that may remain after having a tumor surgically removed. Similarly, some patients must have chemotherapy to shrink a tumor (a process known as debulking) before surgically removing it.

How long is treatment expected to take?

Knowing expected treatment times helps patients plan more effectively, such as by making arrangements for time off work or school. The oncologist can provide an estimated timeline for how long it may take to receive and recover from each cancer treatment.

Take chemotherapy for breast cancer as an example. Per the ACS, it is generally administered in two- to three-week-long cycles with rest periods in between. The oncologist can provide a more detailed timeline based on the patient’s unique condition. They will also incorporate any surgeries, such as a mastectomy, into the patient’s total expected treatment time.

What else can I expect during treatment? 

Cancer treatments can bring temporary changes beyond having to take time off work or school. Patients should ask about any potential dietary changes they may need to make, as well as lifestyle changes such as not driving or doing heavy lifting for a period of time.

Are clinical trials or alternative methods an option?

Clinical trials may be an option. An oncologist can help patients find local clinical trials that they may qualify for and benefit from where they exist. They can also work to incorporate these trials into the patient’s overall cancer treatment plan.

Alternative methods are not recommended over traditional cancer treatment. However, they can supplement traditional treatments. For example, massage therapies may help ease certain symptoms as the patient receives treatment from an oncologist.

Schedule a consultation with an oncologist

It is normal to have questions about a cancer diagnosis. Our Marlton oncologist is here to answer them to provide clarity and confidence about the patient’s next steps. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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