Lung Cancer Canada

Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Here are some helpful questions you can ask your health care team.

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Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Following a diagnosis

  • What type of lung cancer do I have? 
  • Where is the cancer located in my body? Has it spread beyond where it’s started?
  • How was my diagnosis confirmed?
  • What’s the stage of my cancer? How does that affect the treatment?
  • Do I need any more tests before we decide about my treatment? 
  • Are the tests I need to do covered by my health insurance? How long do they take? Can I do them in a private clinic?
  • If I’m concerned about the costs related to my diagnosis and treatment, who can I ask for help?
  • Based on this diagnosis, am I a candidate for surgery?
  • Has a sample of my tumour been sent for molecular testing? Am I a candidate for targeted therapy?
  • Has a sample of my tumour been sent for PD-L1 testing? Am I a candidate for immunotherapy?
  • Do I need to see any other doctor or health professionals?
  • Is this type of cancer hereditary? Is my family at risk?

About surgery

  • Am I a good candidate for surgery?
  • What type of surgery do you recommend for me?
  • How is the surgery performed? Will it be open surgery, VATS, or robotic-assisted?
  • What are the potential benefits of having the surgery?
  • What are the risks and possible complications of the surgery?
  • How long will the surgery take?
  • What are the long-term implications of the surgery?
  • How does surgery compare to other treatments like radiation or systemic therapy in my case?
  • How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  • What kind of pain should I expect, and how will it be managed?
  • Will I need physical therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation?
  • How long will it take for me to resume normal activities?
  • What kind of follow-up care will I need?
  • Will I have any permanent restrictions or changes in my lifestyle after the surgery?
  • How will the surgery affect my ability to breathe or do physical activities?
  • Will I need to make dietary or lifestyle changes after surgery?
  • Will I need additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation after the surgery? If so, how soon after surgery will these treatments begin?
  • How will these treatments affect my overall prognosis?
  • Do I need any tests before the surgery? 
  • Should I bring anything with me to the hospital?
  • How do I prepare for the day of surgery?
  • Will I need assistance at home after being discharged?
  • How often will I need check-ups after the surgery? What kinds of tests will I have at these check-ups?
  • How will we monitor for the return or spread of the cancer?
  • Are there support groups or counsellors you recommend for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery?
  • Can you provide resources on understanding and managing life after the surgery?

About radiation therapy

  • What is the main goal of radiation therapy for my specific case?
  • Are there other treatment options available to me? How does radiation compare to these?
  • Which type of radiation therapy do you recommend for me: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy?
  • If EBRT is recommended, which specific type do you suggest and why?
  • What is the expected total dose of radiation I will receive?
  • How many sessions will I need, and how long will each last?
  • Will I need to take special precautions, like avoiding exposure to others?
  • How do I prepare for the simulation session?
  • Will I require an immobilization mask or device during my treatment?
  • How should I care for my skin in the treated area?
  • What are the common short-term and long-term side effects of radiation therapy?
  • How can these side effects be managed or minimized?
  • Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of radiation-related side effects?
  • What kind of follow-up will I need after completing radiation therapy?
  • How will you monitor the effectiveness of the radiation therapy?
  • How soon can I expect to see improvements or results?
  • Will I be able to continue working or performing my regular activities during radiation treatment?
  • Are there any restrictions or activities I should avoid during treatment?
  • Are there resources or support groups you recommend for patients undergoing radiation therapy?
  • How can I manage anxiety or stress related to the treatment?
  • Where can I learn more about radiation therapy for lung cancer?

About chemotherapy

  • In my case, what is the main goal of chemotherapy: to cure the cancer, to help other treatments work better, or to relieve symptoms?
  • What are the chances that chemotherapy will be effective for my type of lung cancer?
  • Which chemotherapy drugs will I be receiving?
  • How often will I receive chemotherapy, and for how long?
  • How will the chemotherapy be administered (injected into a vein or a capsule)?
  • What should I expect on the day of treatment? How long will each session last?
  • How will we know if the chemotherapy is working?
  • Will I need other treatments, like radiation or surgery, in addition to chemotherapy?
  • What are the common side effects of the chemotherapy drugs I’ll be receiving?
  • Are there any long-term side effects I should be aware of?
  • What can I do to manage or reduce these side effects?
  • Should I report side effects, even if they are mild? And if so, how do I do that?
  • How often will I need blood tests or imaging studies during my chemotherapy?
  • Can I continue working or attending school during chemotherapy?
  • Are there any activities I should avoid while undergoing treatment?
  • Are there dietary recommendations or restrictions I should follow during chemotherapy?
  • Are there any resources or support groups you recommend for patients undergoing chemotherapy?
  • Can I speak with a nutritionist, therapist, or counsellor as part of my treatment plan?
  • Will my insurance cover the cost of chemotherapy?
  • Are there patient assistance programs or financial counsellors I can speak to about managing the costs?
  • What follow-up care will I need after completing chemotherapy?
  • How often will I need check-ups after my treatment is complete?
  • Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch out for after chemotherapy?

About immunotherapy

  • What is the goal of immunotherapy?
  • Am I a candidate for immunotherapy? What are my treatment options?
  • Do I need to do biomarker testing to receive immunotherapy drugs?
  • How long will this treatment last, and how often will I receive it?
  • What drugs will I receive, and how do they work?
  • What side effects might occur, and what can I do to prevent or cope with them?
  • Are there any side effects for which I should go to the emergency room?
  • Should I bring anything (like an information card) to inform the emergency room doctors about my immunotherapy?
  • Are any of the side effects permanent?
  • Who can I contact if I develop any side effects?
  • Are there medications to help with side effects?
  • When will I be able to return to my normal activities after immunotherapy?
  • Is there anything I can do, such as changing my diet, exercising, or managing stress, to help cope during therapy or to help my recovery?
  • Am I eligible to participate in any clinical trials of immunotherapy drugs?

About targeted therapy

  • What mutations were found in my biopsy sample? What are my treatment options?
  • Should my cancer be tested for other mutations?
  • What is the goal of targeted therapy?
  • How long will this treatment last, and how often will I receive it?
  • What drugs will I receive, and how do they work?
  • What side effects might occur, and what can I do to cope?
  • Are any of the side effects permanent?
  • Who can I contact if I develop any side effects?
  • Are there drugs to help with side effects?
  • Am I eligible to participate in any clinical trials?

About follow-up visits

  • ​How often should I return for follow-up visits? Is there a regular schedule?
  • Who will be in charge of my long-term care?
  • Who will arrange these visits?
  • What do you look for during follow-up visits? Will I have to do any tests?
  • What long-term side effects might occur, and what can I do to prevent or cope with them?
  • What symptoms should I look out for? Who should I contact if I develop any of them?
  • Is there anything I can do, such as changing my diet, exercising, or managing stress, to help my recovery and keep my cancer from coming back?
  • Will I receive any support and care at home?