Questions to ask
Questions to ask
Many people experience anxiety following a cancer diagnosis. It can be helpful to prepare a list of questions and ask a family member or friend to accompany you to your appointment. It’s important to note that the questions on the list below may not apply to everyone, and only some of them should be used depending on your situation. This list is just a starting point. Other questions will likely come to mind along the way; don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team.
You can also participate in managing your care by keeping a personal medical record of your health status and ensuring that all your doctors receive a copy of your test results. During each medical visit, you can inform your doctor about visits to other specialists. This approach will facilitate communication between each healthcare professional responsible for your care.
- What tests are necessary to detect cancer? How are they conducted?
- Will you need to undergo a biopsy?
- Will the procedure be performed under hospitalization or in an outpatient clinic?
- Will an anesthetic or sedative be administered? If yes, what type?
- Is any preparation necessary before the tests?
- How long will the tests last?
- Do the tests cause any side effects? Is the procedure painful?
- Are there any specific guidelines to follow after the tests?
- Is it necessary to be accompanied home after the tests?
- How long does it take to receive the test results?
- Is it possible to obtain a copy of the test results?
- What will happen if the results are abnormal?
- What other tests will need to be done? Why?
- Quel est le stade d’évolution de mon cancer?
- Que m’indique mon niveau d’APS (Antigène Prostatique Spécifique)?
- Qu’est-ce que le grade et le score de Gleason?
- Le cancer s’est-il propagé à d’autres parties de mon organisme?
- Quels sont les tests que j’aurai à passer? Combien de temps ces tests dureront-ils?
- Comment dois-je me préparer pour passer ces examens?
- Quand vais-je connaître les résultats?
- Plusieurs traitements possibles, comment puis-je savoir lequel est le meilleur pour moi?
- Que va-t-il arriver si je ne reçois pas de traitement?
- Y a-t-il des livres ou des sites sur internet que vous recommandez afin de m’informer sur mon cancer?
- Vous pouvez commander votre exemplaire gratuit du livre « Comprendre le cancer de la prostate » en nous écrivant à info@procuro.ca en nous indiquant vos coordonnées.
- Savez-vous si des essais cliniques sont en cours pour le type de cancer dont je suis atteint?
Comment annoncer à mes proches que je suis atteint de cancer?
Puis-je compter sur des services de soutien?
Comment faire pour rencontrer des gens dans la même situation que moi?
Existe-t-il une forme quelconque de soutien pour ma famille et mes amis?
Serai-je en mesure de prendre soin de moi ou aurai-je besoin d’aide?
À qui puis-je parler?
Puis-je prendre un verre de vin ou de bière?
Puis-je avoir des relations sexuelles?
- Where will the treatment take place and when will it begin?
- Will I need to spend the night in the hospital to receive my treatment? Can I drive myself to my treatments or do I need someone to drive me home?
- Are there any side effects?
- What are the most likely side effects?
- Will these effects be permanent?
- When can I expect to see the results of the treatment?
- Who can I talk to about pain relief or my diet? Are there specific members of the healthcare team who can assist me?
- What can I do to alleviate the side effects?
- What should I do if I have a fever? Who do I call? Is there an emergency number? (Examples of sudden changes that could occur: breathing problems, increased pain, vomiting, diarrhea, continuous bleeding, swelling of the arms or legs)
- Will I experience urinary incontinence?
- Is there a chance that I will experience erectile dysfunction?
- Will I need any other treatments?
- Who will be the doctor in charge of my follow-up care?
- How often should I see my doctor?
- What should I monitor?
- What should I report to my doctor?
- Who can I contact outside of regular hours?
- Will my family doctor be involved in my follow-up care? In what way?
- What options are available to me if the treatment is not successful?
- If I experience pain, how will it be alleviated and who will manage it?
- Will I be able to stay at home?
- Where should I go to find out about the services or assistance programs available to me?
- What is a palliative care facility? Is this an option to consider?
Other pages that might interest you
Additional Information - Your team and questions
How I coped with prostate cancer
A man with prostate cancer shares the challenges of his cancer experience.
Urologist’s advice: Treatments and information on prostate cancer
Learn more about the role of the urologist and the importance for a patient to gather adequate information after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recently diagnosed with cancer? Educate yourself to fully understand your situation.
Your role as a patient
You’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your role is as important as that of your medical team.
Active surveillance as a treatment option?
Did you know that in many cases it is not necessary to treat prostate cancer?
Surveillance, surgery or radiation therapy?
Diagnosed with prostate cancer? Several treatment options are available based on the stage, age, and your health.
Everything to know about radical surgery
Considering radical surgery for your cancer treatment? Watch this webinar to learn about the procedure, its benefits, drawbacks, and suitability for you.
What happens after my diagnosis of prostate cancer ?
The diagnosis of prostate cancer greatly influences the choice of treatment. Indeed, the results of the biopsy and the different tests and scans measure two key indicators: the grade and stage of prostate cancer. The grade determines the degree of aggressiveness of the cancer while the stage indicates the degree of spread. Both indicators are […]
What are the prostate cancer treatment options?
There are several treatment options available for patients suffering from prostate cancer. The doctor adapts the treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each person and determines which option will lead to the most optimal results. Treatment should therefore take account of the progress of the disease, health status, age, opinions, preferences and expectations […]
What are my treatment options?
Under 70 years old Men in their fifties or sixties are more likely to die from prostate cancer than older men because the disease has more time to evolve or reappear. It is therefore very important to treat the cancer as soon as possible. In general, when the prostate cancer is localized, the most effective […]
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
