What to ask your doctor?

It is very important that both the patient and the patient's family be part of the decision-making process regarding the treatment of the patient with a cancer. It is always important to have your doctor explain:

• What type of cancer needs to be treated, and at what stage (how far advanced) it is?
• What is the prognosis of the cancer - if left untreated, and if treated with various treatment options offered?
• What are the side effects that can be expected from each of the possible treatments offered or recommended?
• What are the chances of causing harm with the treatment versus the possible benefits of the treatment?
• For how long will the treatment be given, and under what circumstances will a particular treatment be stopped and/or changed?
• What other treatments are available if the proposed treatment does not help?
• What options are there with regard to supportive treatment, either in addition to or instead of anti-cancer treatment?

Please feel free to discuss any doubts, concerns or problems that you have with any treatment that you receive at any of our hospitals. It is important that you as the patient remain informed about your progress, and in control of what treatment is being given to you.