How do I talk to an oncologist?
Improve Communication With Your Oncologist
- Establish goals for the conversation. …
- Don’t ask “yes” or “no” questions. …
- Listen and repeat. …
- Don’t keep secrets. …
- Be clear about what matters in your life. …
- Don’t leave an appointment without “next steps.” This is especially true when we’re getting bad news.
What questions should I ask at my first oncology appointment?
Here’s what to ask during your first cancer-related visit with your oncologist:
- What is the purpose of this appointment?
- Which type of cancer do I have?
- What are the standard treatments for my condition?
- Why do you recommend this particular treatment?
- What are potential hazards and side effects?
What does an oncologist do on first visit?
When a patient comes in for the first consultation, the oncologist will conduct a thorough examination. The oncologist will ask questions and review the patient’s health history. This will include an assessment of the scans and tests the person may have had beforehand.
What questions should I ask an oncologist radiologist?
10 Questions to Ask the Radiation Oncologist
- What is the goal of radiation therapy?
- Does radiation affect fertility?
- What are the risks and side effects of radiation therapy?
- Where do I go for radiation therapy?
- How long does each session last?
- How many weeks does treatment last?
How do I prepare for an oncology appointment?
At the appointment, ask this:
- What kind of cancer do I have? …
- What stage is it? …
- Do I have to undergo any further diagnostic tests before we can begin treatment?
- Should I see a specialist? …
- What are my treatment options?
- Which treatment or combination of treatments would you recommend and why?
Why would you be referred to an oncologist?
Takeaway. You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. Your primary care physician may carry out tests to determine if you might have cancer. If there are any signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend visiting an oncologist as soon as possible.
How long do oncology appointments last?
Treatment lengths vary from patient to patient. Some treatments may last 30 minutes, while others may last as long as eight hours.
What can I expect at my oncology consultation?
In order to make it a thorough consultation, the oncologist you’re meeting with should have all your reports and other requested materials. This includes copies of scans, x-rays, MRIs, CTs, or other imaging tests that were done, and pathology slides if a biopsy was performed.
What can I expect from a gynecologic oncologist?
The doctor will likely ask you about symptoms you’ve had. From there, they usually examine your reproductive organs. A gynecologic oncologist may order follow-up tests or imaging to confirm a diagnosis.
What is oncology department?
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist. The name’s etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (óngkos), meaning 1.
What questions should I ask my oncologist before chemo?
Questions to Ask About Chemotherapy
- Which chemo drugs will I be given?
- How will the drugs be given to me?
- How often will I need to get chemo?
- How long will my treatments last?
- Where will I get chemo?
- What’s the goal of chemo for my cancer?
- What are the chances that the chemo will work?
What should I ask my oncologist after treatment?
You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions:
- How long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself?
- What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?
- What long-term health issues can I expect as a result of my cancer and its treatment?
- What is the chance that my cancer will return?
Does radiation treatment affect family members?
Any radiation therapy that is transient, including external beam radiation or brachytherapy that is removed, poses no risk to family members. For these types of therapy, patients are exposed to radiation only during active treatment, and radiation is not carried on the patient’s body.