What side effects should I ask my doctor about?

The National Cancer Institute suggests starting with the basics: what side effects are possible with your specific treatment, and which ones might show up during or between sessions. From there, it's worth asking which side effects mean you should call your care team right away, since knowing that answer ahead of time can help you act quickly if something comes up.

It also helps to ask about lasting or long-term effects, since not every side effect shows up immediately. Two specific areas worth raising are fertility — whether the treatment could affect your ability to have children — and appetite, since some treatments make eating difficult.

Beyond what to expect, ask how side effects can be prevented or treated, not just what might happen. And mention every medicine and supplement you take, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, and herbs, since some of these can change how cancer treatment works.

Keeping a simple log of what you notice after each session can help your care team spot patterns and adjust your plan as treatment continues.