Anal Cancer: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all of the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down. Make sure you ask how the treatment will change your daily life, including your diet, and how you will look and feel after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects are. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to go with you. They can take notes and write down the answers, and also ask questions you may not think of. You can also ask your healthcare provider if you can record the conversation.

Below are some questions to ask during your appointments.

Deciding on a treatment

• What kind of anal cancer do I have?

• What is the grade and stage of my cancer?

• Has the cancer spread anywhere else in my body?

• What are the treatment choices?

• What treatment do you think is best for me?

• How much experience do you have treating my type of cancer?

• How will I pass stool after treatment? Normally? Or will I need a colostomy? (This is when stool comes out into a bag attached to an opening made in your belly.)

• Will this treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?

• What are the goals of the treatment you’re recommending?

• What is the success rate of this treatment for my type and stage of anal cancer?

• What is the life expectancy for someone with my stage of cancer receiving this treatment?

• Are there any clinical trials that I should look into?

• Will my health insurance cover treatment? How much will I need to pay out of pocket?

• Should I get a second opinion?

Getting ready for treatment

• What is the length of the treatment period?

• How long will each treatment take?

• Where do I have to go for the treatment?

• Who will give me the treatment?

• How will my care be coordinated when several healthcare providers are involved in my care?

• Does someone need to go with me during treatments?

• Can I drive myself or take public transportation to treatment?

• Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

• What do I need to do to be ready for treatment?

• Do you have someone on staff who can help me with transportation, finances, and other resources?

Coping during treatment

• What side effects should I watch for?

• How long will side effects last?

• Are there side effects that I need to call you about?

• How do I reach you after hours and on holidays and weekends?

• What can I do to ease the side effects?

• Should I change my diet? What foods can't I eat?

• Will I be able to go to work and be around my family?

• Are there support groups nearby or online that I can join?

After treatment

• How will I feel after the treatment?

• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?

• Who will be in charge of my follow-up care?

• How will we know if treatment worked?

• Are there any symptoms I should watch for that may mean the cancer has come back?

• What are my options if the treatment doesn't work, or the cancer comes back?