What should I ask at my first oncology appointment?

A first oncology visit usually covers three things. What are your treatment options? What will the sessions actually look like? And how might treatment affect your day-to-day life? The National Cancer Institute suggests asking about the treatment options for your type and stage of cancer. Ask about the benefits and risks of each, and what your doctor recommends and why.

It also helps to ask logistics questions. Where will you go for treatment? How is it given? How long does each session take, and how many sessions should you expect? Ask whether a family member or friend should come with you, so you can plan ahead.

For daily life, ask how you are likely to feel after each treatment. Ask whether you will be able to keep working, and whether treatment might affect your appetite. If you are weighing your options, it is also reasonable to ask whether a clinical trial might be worth considering.

You do not need to ask everything in one visit. Write your top questions down beforehand, and bring someone who can help you remember the answers. That makes a first appointment easier to get through.