What questions should I ask my oncologist about Cervical Cancer

Important Questions to Ask Your Cervical Cancer Oncologist

I'm glad you're preparing to have a more informed conversation with your care team. Asking the right questions helps you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect. Here are key questions organized by topic:

ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS & STAGING

1. What type of cervical cancer do I have?

• According to NCCN Guidelines, cervical cancer comes in different types: squamous cell carcinoma (most common), adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, or the rare neuroendocrine carcinoma. Each type may have different treatment approaches, so understanding yours is essential.

2. What is my cancer stage, and what does that mean for my prognosis?

• Ask your doctor to explain the FIGO staging system (stages I-IV) used for cervical cancer. Understanding whether your cancer is early-stage or advanced will help you grasp why certain treatments are recommended.

3. Has my cancer been tested for specific biomarkers or genetic features?

• Biomarkers are specific features of cancer cells that can guide treatment decisions. Ask if your tumor has been tested and what those results show.

ABOUT TESTING & IMAGING

4. What imaging tests will I need, and how often?

• NCCN Guidelines recommend CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to determine cancer extent. Ask about the timing and what these scans will show.

5. Will I need a biopsy or other tissue testing?

• Understanding what samples your doctor needs and why helps you prepare for procedures.

6. How will my response to treatment be monitored?

• Ask about follow-up scans, blood tests, or other monitoring methods to track how well treatment is working.

ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS

7. What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend for my specific situation?

• Treatment typically depends on stage. Ask your doctor to explain all available options and the reasoning behind their recommendation.

8. Will I receive chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination?

• According to NCCN Guidelines, platinum-based chemotherapy (usually cisplatin) is commonly used, often combined with radiation therapy. Ask specifically what your plan includes.

9. If chemotherapy is recommended, what drug(s) will I receive and how often?

• For example, cisplatin is typically given weekly during chemoradiation for 5-6 weeks. Understanding the schedule helps you plan.

10. Are there clinical trials available for my type and stage of cancer?

• Clinical trials may offer newer treatment options. Ask if you're eligible and what trials exist for your situation.

ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS & MANAGING THEM

11. What side effects should I expect from my treatment?

• According to NCCN Guidelines, common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, mouth sores, and increased infection risk. Cisplatin specifically can affect kidneys and hearing.

12. What can I do to prevent or manage these side effects?

• NCCN Guidelines emphasize that managing side effects is a shared effort. Ask about medications, dietary changes, or other strategies to help you feel better during treatment.

13. Are there any side effects I should report immediately?

• Know which symptoms require urgent attention versus those you can manage at home.

ABOUT FERTILITY & FUTURE PREGNANCY

14. Will my treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?

• This is important if you want biological children. According to NCCN Guidelines, radiation therapy damages the ovaries.

15. Are there fertility-preservation options available?

• NCCN Guidelines mention that for early-stage cancers, fertility-sparing treatments may be possible. Options include ovarian transposition (moving ovaries out of radiation range), egg freezing, or embryo freezing. Ask if you're a candidate.

ABOUT YOUR CARE TEAM & SUPPORT

16. Who will be on my treatment team, and how do they communicate with each other?

• Understanding your care team structure helps you know who to contact with different questions.

17. What supportive care services are available?

• NCCN Guidelines emphasize supportive care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Ask about counseling, nutrition support, pain management, and other resources.

18. How often will I have follow-up appointments, and what will they include?

• Understanding your follow-up schedule helps you plan ahead.

ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION

19. Based on my individual factors (age, overall health, other medical conditions), are there any treatment modifications I should know about?

• Your personal health situation may affect which treatments are best for you.

20. What is the goal of my treatment—cure, controlling growth, or managing symptoms?

• This helps you understand realistic expectations and what "success" means for your situation.

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TIPS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

✓ Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget them
✓ Bring a trusted person to take notes and help you remember information
✓ Ask your doctor to explain things in plain language if medical terms are confusing
✓ Request written materials about your diagnosis and treatment plan
✓ Ask about reliable resources for more information (NCCN Guidelines for Patients, American Cancer Society, NCI)
✓ Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify—there are no "silly" questions

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Important Resources: According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Cervical Cancer, you can find patient-friendly information at NCCN.org/patientguidelines and through the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer app. The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute also provide reliable cervical cancer information.

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