If you are having radiation therapy as part of your treatment plan, there are questions you may want to ask your radiation cancer doctor:
- Why do I need radiation therapy?
- How will radiation therapy affect my risk that my cancer will return, spread, or I’ll get a new cancer? Please explain the differences to me.
- Is there a clinical trial that you recommend I join?
- Can I have accelerated (shortened course) radiation therapy?
- How many radiation treatments will I have? When should I start?
- Can I come to treatment sessions alone, or should a friend or relative come with me?
- How long will each radiation treatment take? Who will give me the radiation treatments?
- How is radiation given?
- Should I continue to see my regular doctor during my treatment?
- Where can I find a support group for cancer survivors?
- How should I prepare for my treatment? For example, what clothes should I wear?
- Can I wear deodorant?
- What precautions should I take during treatment?
- What lotion, soaps, or other skin care products should I use or avoid?
- What are the possible side effects of radiation? How long are they likely to last? What side effects should I report to you? What symptoms need medical care?
- What are the long-term risks of radiation therapy?
- Who do I contact if I have problems or questions about my treatment? What about on holidays or during the weekend?
- Can I continue normal activities such as work, sports, or sex during treatment? Are there any activities I should avoid? What about after treatment?
- How often should I return to see you after my radiation treatments end? Which doctor should I see for follow-up care?
- Will a follow-up care plan be prepared for me?
Current as of: 6/2019
Stanford Health Education, 2019