What questions should I ask my doctor about colon cancer

Important Questions to Ask Your Colorectal Cancer Doctor

Here are key questions organized by topic to help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and follow-up care:

About Your Diagnosis & Staging

1. What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment?

   • Understanding your stage (I-IV) helps clarify how advanced the cancer is and what approaches your doctor will recommend.

2. Has my tumor been tested for specific biomarkers? (Ask specifically about):

   • Microsatellite instability (MSI) or mismatch repair (MMR) status — these affect immunotherapy eligibility
   • KRAS and BRAF mutations — these influence which targeted therapies might work
   • NRAS mutations — another important genetic marker
   • PD-L1 expression — relevant for immunotherapy decisions

3. Do I have Lynch syndrome or other hereditary cancer risk?

   • Some colorectal cancers run in families, which affects screening for relatives and your own surveillance.

About Treatment Options

1. What is my treatment plan, and why do you recommend this approach?

   • Ask whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy (or combinations) are being recommended and why.

2. If surgery is recommended:

   • Will I need a colostomy or ileostomy (surgically created opening)?
   • What is the recovery timeline?
   • What are the risks and side effects?

3. If chemotherapy is recommended:

   • Which drugs will I receive, and how often?
   • What side effects should I expect, and how can we manage them?
   • How will we know if the treatment is working?

4. Am I eligible for immunotherapy or targeted therapy?

   • Based on my tumor's biomarkers, are there newer treatment options available?
   • According to NCCN Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer, certain mutations and MSI status can open doors to precision medicine approaches.

5. What clinical trials might be appropriate for me?

   • Ask if there are trials testing newer combinations or approaches relevant to your stage and biomarkers.

About Monitoring & Follow-Up

1. What will my follow-up care look like after treatment?

   • How often will I have imaging (CT scans, MRI)?
   • How often will I have blood tests?
   • What symptoms should prompt me to call you immediately?

2. Are there blood-based tests that can help monitor for recurrence?

   • Molecular residual disease (MRD) testing using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can detect cancer cells in the blood before symptoms appear. According to research on Guardant LUNAR, these tests can help guide surveillance schedules and identify molecular recurrence early.
   • Ask if your doctor recommends MRD testing as part of your follow-up plan.

3. What is my risk of recurrence, and what does that mean?

   • Understanding your individual risk helps you know what to watch for and how aggressive follow-up should be.

About Side Effects & Quality of Life

1. What side effects are most common with my treatment plan?

   • How can we prevent or manage them?
   • Are there medications or supportive care options available?

2. Will treatment affect my ability to work, exercise, or do daily activities?

   • When can I return to normal activities?

3. Are there nutritional concerns I should know about?

   • Some colorectal cancer treatments affect digestion and nutrient absorption.

About Your Medical Team

1. Who is on my care team, and how do I reach them?

   • Ask for contact information for your oncologist, surgeon, nurses, and any other specialists.

2. Should I get a second opinion?

   • This is always your right, especially for complex cases.

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Why These Questions Matter

According to NCCN Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer, personalized treatment decisions depend on:

• Your cancer's stage and location
• Specific genetic mutations in your tumor
• Your overall health and ability to tolerate treatment
• Your personal preferences and goals

Understanding your biomarkers is particularly important because they can determine whether you're eligible for targeted therapies or immunotherapy—treatments that may be more effective with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy alone.

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Additional Resources

For more detailed information, ask your doctor about:

• American Cancer Society colorectal cancer resources
• NCCN Patient Guidelines for colorectal cancer
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) information at cancer.gov

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.