The short answer
Hearing or vision loss can make fast, complex cancer communication harder. Ask for information in a usable format, confirm understanding with teach-back, and make sure urgent instructions do not depend on one inaccessible channel.
Ask for your preferred communication format.
Check medication and urgent-call instructions before leaving.
Use more than one accessible contact method.
A support person can help when you choose, but should not replace direct communication.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
Choose a usable format
Tell the clinic how you prefer to receive spoken, written, and digital information. Ask that this preference be visible to every department rather than only the first scheduler.
During the conversation
For hearing access, reduce background noise, face the person, use interpretation or captioning, and provide a written summary. For vision access, provide large print, accessible electronic text, audio, or another format the person can use.
Medicines and home instructions
Before leaving, make sure medicine labels, schedules, equipment instructions, and emergency contacts are accessible. Ask the person to explain the plan in their own words—not as a test, but to check that the communication worked.
Urgent contact cannot rely on one channel
Confirm how the clinic will send time-sensitive results or appointment changes. Establish an accessible backup method that does not require a family member unless the patient wants that arrangement.
Preserve direct communication
A support person may take notes or help when invited, but clinicians should continue speaking directly to the patient and respecting the patient's choices.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
What can someone with hearing loss request?
Possible supports include qualified sign-language interpretation, captioning, written summaries, reduced background noise, and face-to-face communication.
What can someone with vision loss request?
Possible supports include large print, electronic text that works with a screen reader, audio instructions, tactile orientation, and help identifying medicines.
What matters most before leaving?
Confirm the next appointment, medicine plan, urgent symptoms, and after-hours contact in a format you can use independently.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Your next step
Turn this guide into a short list for your care team.
Speak With Trained Specialists & Human Navigators
Cancer Explained provides educational guidance, but does not replace trained specialists, social workers, or your medical team.
Talk to a trained cancer information specialist
Free, confidential assistance from NCI Cancer Information Service via phone, chat, or email.
Contact your oncology team
Locate after-hours contact numbers, portal messages, or urgent triage phone lines.
Find a patient navigator
Get one-on-one help with appointments, logistics, translation, and care coordination.
Find a genetic counselor
Discuss inherited mutation risk, family history, and genetic testing options.
Find an oncology social worker
Access emotional counseling, family support groups, and mental health resources.
Find a financial navigator
Locate copay assistance foundations, grant programs, and lodging/travel support.
Find a clinical-trial specialist
Search matching studies and speak with NCI trial information specialists.
Get urgent help
Immediate emergency guidance for fever (>100.4°F during chemo), severe pain, or shortness of breath.
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