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Last Updated: Dec 27th, 2006 - 19:07:47 |
Coping with a cancer diagnosis and researching the various treatment options can be an overwhelming and stressful experience for the person and his or her family. To facilitate the process, some of the questions commonly asked of radiation oncologists by their patients and their loved ones are listed.
Questions people ask before treatment
What is the type and stage of the persons cancer?
What is the goal of radiation therapy, i.e., cure, palliation of symptoms, local control of disease?
How will the radiation therapy be administered, i.e., via external beam or internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)?
What do the treatments feel like?
What will be the overall duration of treatment? How many treatments be be given each week? How long does each treatment last?
What is the likelihood the treatment will be effective? What is the likelihood of the cancer recurring after radiation therapy or if refusing radiation therapy?
What clinical trials are available?
What are the side effects from the treatment? Will side effects change ones appearance? Which side effects are temporary and which are permanent?
Will surgery and/or chemotherapy be necessary? Which modality should come first, second, and third? How soon can the other treatments be initiated after radiation therapy?
What financial responsibilities are involved?
What support groups are available?
How can questions that arise in the future be addressed?
Will radiation therapy affect fertility?
Questions to ask during radiation therapy
How does one feel during and after treatment?
Is there any issue with driving to and from radiation therapy?
Are there any restrictions on normal daily activities?
How are side effects managed? When do they resolve?
Is there any dietary restriction?
Is it safe to use vitamins and other supplements?
Can exercise be continued?
Is one rendered radioactive from treatment?
Is there any restriction on being sexually active?
Is smoking and/or alcohol to be restricted?
Who administers the actual treatment?
Are any tests ordered during treatment?
Questions to ask after treatment ends
How often does one see his or her radiation oncologist for check-ups and for how long?
What tests will be ordered?
How does one know if he or she is cured?
How does one know whether or not he or she will incur any late side effects?
When will any restrictions be lifted?
Of course, the list of questions is endless. The wisest approach is to write down any questions, rather than count on remembering them. Also, radiation oncologists and the radiation oncology team are eager to help their patients and their loved ones, so one should not be reluctant to ask anything that is important to him or her. For more information about radiation therapy, check out www.rtanswers.org , the website of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).
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