What questions should I ask my oncologist about early stage Prostate Cancer

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist About Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

I'm glad you're preparing for these conversations—asking the right questions is one of the most important things you can do to take an active role in your care. According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Early-Stage Prostate Cancer, here are the key questions organized by topic:

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Questions About Your Treatment Options

1. What are my treatment options? (This might include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or other approaches)
2. Is a clinical trial an option for me?
3. What will happen if I do nothing? (Understanding the natural course of your specific cancer)
4. Are you suggesting options other than what NCCN recommends? If yes, why?
5. How do my age, overall health, and other factors affect my options?
6. Does any option offer a cure or long-term cancer control?
7. What are the side effects of the treatments? (Be specific—ask about sexual function, urinary control, bowel function, etc.)
8. Will the treatment hurt?
9. How long do I have to decide about treatment? Is there a social worker or counselor who can help me decide?
10. How do I get a second opinion?

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Questions About What to Expect

1. Does this hospital or cancer center offer the best treatment for me?
2. Do I have a choice of when to begin treatment?
3. How long will treatment last?
4. Will my insurance cover the treatment you're recommending?
5. Are there any programs to help pay for treatment?
6. What supportive care and services are available to me and my caregivers?
7. Who should I contact with questions or concerns if the office is closed?
8. How will you know if treatment is working? (What tests will you use to monitor me?)
9. What are the chances of the cancer worsening or returning?
10. What follow-up care is needed after treatment?

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Questions About Cancer Testing

Before or during your treatment planning, ask:

1. What tests will I have? (PSA blood test, imaging, biopsy, genetic testing, etc.)
2. Do the tests have any risks?
3. Will my insurance pay for all the tests you are recommending?
4. Do I need to do anything to prepare for testing?
5. Should I bring someone with me to the appointments?
6. Where do I go for testing, and how long will it take?
7. If any of the tests will hurt, what will you do to make me comfortable?
8. How soon will I know the results and who will explain them to me?
9. How can I get a copy of the pathology report and other test results?
10. What is the cancer stage? What does this stage mean in terms of survival?

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Questions About Your Care Team's Experience

This matters—experience with your specific type of cancer is important:

1. Are you board certified? If yes, in what area?
2. What is your experience as well as your team's experience with treating my type of prostate cancer?
3. How many patients like me (of the same age, race) have you treated?
4. Will you be consulting with experts to discuss my care? Whom will you consult?
5. Is my treatment or procedure a major part of your practice? How often have you done this treatment or procedure in the last year?
6. How many of your patients have had complications? What were the complications?

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Questions About Clinical Trials

If your doctor mentions clinical trials as an option:

1. Do you recommend that I consider a clinical trial for treatment?
2. How do I find clinical trials that I can participate in?
3. What are the treatments used in the clinical trial?
4. Has the treatment been used for other types of cancer?
5. What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?
6. What side effects should I expect and how will they be managed?
7. How long will I be in the clinical trial?
8. Will I be able to get other treatment if this doesn't work?
9. How will you know if the treatment is working?
10. Will the clinical trial cost me anything?

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Pro Tips for Your Appointment

• Bring someone with you to take notes or help you remember information
• Write down your questions ahead of time so you don't forget them
• Ask your doctor to explain things in plain language if medical terms are confusing
• Request copies of all test results and reports for your own records
• Don't hesitate to ask the same question twice if you need clarification
• Ask about resources—many cancer centers have patient navigators, social workers, or support groups

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According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Early-Stage Prostate Cancer, being an informed, engaged patient leads to better decision-making and outcomes. Your oncologist should welcome these questions—they show you're taking your care seriously.

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