Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Prostate Cancer

From the time you are diagnosed with prostate cancer until after treatment ends, it is important to maintain open communication with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team. Address any concerns and ask any questions you may have.

Use the following questions as a guide when considering what questions you would like to ask your doctor or other members of your healthcare team.

• Has my prostate cancer spread? If so, how advanced is it?
• What stage is my prostate cancer in?
• What are my survival chances?
• Do you recommend further tests?
• What are my prostate cancer treatment options?
• Which treatment options do you recommend? Why?
• Are there risks or side effects involved with these prostate cancer treatments?
• Do I need to be on a special meal plan?
• Will I have problems with impotence, incontinence or other problems during or after my prostate cancer treatment?
• What is my risk of the prostate cancer reoccurring?
• Am I a good candidate for a prostate cancer clinical trial?
• Can I have children after treatment ends?
• Is there somebody I can talk to for support after I finish prostate cancer treatment?
• Do I need to make follow-up appointments with you after my treatment ends?
• What kinds of lifestyle changes should I make after I finish treatment?
• What will we do if prostate cancer does reoccur?
• Do I need surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or best supportive care?