Cancer doesn’t have to be isolating and scary. On our website, learn about different support options. Connecting with a social worker or oncology navigator or meeting someone who has been where you are now through an online community, support group or mentoring program can be super helpful. There are even incredible camps and retreats for when you need to take a break from cancer. You don’t have to do this alone. This video will teach you some of the questions you should be asking your doctor or oncologist upon receiving diagnosis.

1. Questions to Ask Your
Radiation Oncologist

2. What type of cancer do I have and what stage is it in?
What are my treatment options?

3. What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my
type of cancer?
What is the probability that radiation therapy will
work for me? It if works, what are the chances that
the cancer will come back?

4. What are the chances that the cancer will spread
if I do not have radiation therapy?
How and when will you know if I am cured of
cancer?

5. How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be
external beam or internal (brachytherapy)?
How many treatments will I receive per week, and for
how long?

6. What side effects should I expect and how do I
manage them?
Will I also need other treatments, such as
chemotherapy, surgery, or hormone therapy? If so,
when will I receive them, and in what order?

7. Is there a clinical trial for which I might be eligible? If
there is, should I participate in it? What are the
benefits and risks of doing so?
Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility?
Do you recommend I bring a friend or family
member?

8. Will I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
Will I be able to continue my normal activities during
treatment? If not, how soon after treatment will I be
able to resume them? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic
exercise?

9. Will radiation therapy affect my sex life or my ability
to have children?
Can I smoke or drink alcohol during my course of
treatment?

10. Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?
How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the
weeks following radiation therapy?

11. What are reasons I should call you at night or on a
weekend?
After my treatment is completed, how often will I
need to return for checkups?

12. What are some of the support groups I can turn to
during treatment?
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, ask
about Interoperative Radiation Therapy and Prone
Radiation.

13. Is Proton Beam Therapy an option for your type of
cancer as it can deliver higher doses of radiation
with little, if any, side effects?

14. For resources, financial assistance,
knowledge and inspiration,
please visit
cancerhawk.com