Talking to Your Cancer Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team is there to help you, so reach out to them as much as you can. By asking questions, you can get clarity when you need it. Here are some other tips on how to talk with your cancer care team.

More on this topic

  • Managing Different Opinions
    Author: Sarah Handzel
    If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may wonder if you should seek a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment options. Second opinions may confirm your diagnosis and provide invaluable information about your cancer and where it’s located in your body.
    Read more
  • Where Do I Begin?
    Source: Cancer Support Community
    The first critical step to managing your cancer treatment is making the decision to empower yourself and take an active role in your care. Learning about your cancer diagnosis, your cancer treatment, your healthcare team, and ways to improve your overall well-being can help improve the quality of your life.
    Read more
  • Take Notes During Doctor Visits
    Source: Cancer Support Community
    Hear from Sheri as she discusses the need to take and keep good notes as a caregiver during doctor visits.
  • Seeking a Second Opinion
    Source: American Cancer Society
    It may help you to know that it’s common for patients to get a second opinion, and most doctors are comfortable with the request. Learn more about ways to get a second opinion.
    Read more
  • “Doctor, Can We Talk?”: Tips for Communicating With Your Healthcare Team
    Source: CancerCare
    Good communication with your doctor can help improve the quality of the care you receive. Getting as much information as you can about the goals of your treatment and how it will affect your life can help you feel more satisfied with your care.
    Read more

Cancer.com collects information from respected sources and is not responsible for the creation of content, except as noted. The original source has granted permission to share this information on Cancer.com in an effort to provide you with the best information possible.

Stay
Connected

Receive periodic emails from Cancer.com with information tailored to your current needs, whether recently diagnosed, in treatment, or in remission.

Get Started

Additional Links

  • Understanding Lab and Imaging Tests
    Source: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    This booklet describes how these tests are used to help detect and treat blood cancers. It also includes tips to help keep track of test results and questions to ask your healthcare provider.
  • Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
    Source: CancerCare
    It’s important to get answers from your healthcare team about anything you don’t understand. Download a list of questions that can help you gain clarity.

Support Tools

Helpful resources that can prepare you to take action are just one click away.

Support Tools