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?
Additional Information - Treatment options
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.
Prostate cancer: Tests, imaging and biomarkers
Discussion about the variety of approaches available to monitor this disease before, during, or after treatment.
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 or experiencing urinary problems? Discover why early screening for prostate diseases is important.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recently diagnosed with cancer? Educate yourself to fully understand your situation.
The role of hormone therapy
Has your doctor recommended hormone therapy? This video is for you!
External radiation or Brachytherapy?
Explore the benefits and considerations of each treatment option for prostate cancer to determine which might be right for you.
Q-A – New therapies for advance prostate cancer
In this interview, we answer patients’ questions about new therapies for advanced prostate cancer.
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer
Although rare, some hereditary genetic mutations can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Active surveillance in 5 points
As surprising as it may seem, your doctor may prefer to wait before starting treatment.
States of prostate cancer post-treatment
Gentlemen, you’re being treated for prostate cancer, and your latest blood tests show an increase in PSA levels?
Your role as a patient
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your role as a patient is essential throughout your journey.
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
