Talking to
Your Doctor
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
It’s normal to have a lot of questions before starting cancer treatment. Here are some questions you might like to ask your radiation oncologist:
- What are all the treatment options that might be effective?
- What are the success rates of each type of treatment?
- What are the short-term and long-term side effects of each type of treatment?
- How do these compare with other treatment options?
- How much time will I need off work?
- How will treatment impact on my family and social life?
- How much will treatment cost?
- What are the possible impacts on sexual function, sexual drive and fertility?
There may be other things that are important to you that you can add to this list.
For more information visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Other Languages Information
If English is your second language you can ask an interpreter to come with you when you see your radiation oncologist. Visit the Cancer Council for more information.
Indigenous and Māori Care
LGBTQI+ People and Cancer
The Cancer Council NSW has useful information about how cancer and its treatment may affect LGBTQI+ people – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other diverse sexualities and genders, as well as people with intersex variations.
For more information, go to LGBTQI+ People and Cancer.
Other Useful Resources
The information provided on Targeting Cancer is primarily about radiation therapy, including types of treatment, how it is used and side effects. For more information about your cancer or situation, go to the Other Useful Resources page.
Get Involved
Would you like to get involved with Targeting Cancer? You can share your story, join a fun run, donate or volunteer. For more information, go to Get Involved.