How to Talk With Healthcare Professionals

Many things can contribute to your symptoms: cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation), diagnostic tests, underlying conditions, emotional fatigue, and more. You may think that nothing can be done about your symptoms and may hesitate to talk about them.

However, you should discuss your cancer symptoms with your doctor, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Many things can be done to lessen cancer symptoms, and your healthcare providers can suggest what would work best for you.

Here are some communication tips when talking with healthcare professionals.

• If necessary, make an appointment to talk with your doctor, nurse, or other caregiver (in person or on the phone). You should schedule a block of time to talk about your concerns.
• Write down a list of questions to ask.
• Be assertive: State what you want and need.
• Listen carefully.
• Take notes.
• Paraphrase what your healthcare professional says. This helps verify your understanding of what is discussed.
• Ask for clarification, if needed.
• Follow through with any recommendations given.

If a recommendation has no apparent effect after trying it for a month, talk to your healthcare professional again.

State What You Want and Need

Ask open-ended questions-ones that begin with "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how." These questions require explanations. Avoid closed-ended questions (ones that can be answered with yes or no) unless you want to confirm information. 

Open-ended questions

• What are my treatment choices?
• What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
• What are the side effects?
• Which treatment has had the most success in other people with my condition?
• What do I do if treatment fails? 

Closed-ended questions

• Do I need to see a specialist?
• Are you available by phone if I have more questions?