What should I bring to my Head and Neck Cancer treatment appointments

What to Bring to Your Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Appointments

Being prepared for your appointments helps your care team make the best decisions for you. Here's what you should have with you:

Essential Documents & Information

[ID removed] & Test Results

• Any imaging reports (CT scans, MRI, PET scans) from other facilities
• Pathology reports from your biopsy
• Previous treatment summaries if you've been treated elsewhere
• Lab results and blood work from the past few months

Medication List

• A complete list of ALL medications you're currently taking—including:
  • Prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Vitamins, supplements, and herbal products
  • Dosages and how often you take them

This is important because some medications can interact with cancer treatments or affect your care plan.

Personal Health Information

Health History Details According to the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers, your care team will want to know about:

• Your tobacco use history (including how many pack-years you've smoked, if applicable)
• Alcohol use
• Any previous surgeries or serious illnesses
• Current symptoms you're experiencing
• Any allergies to medications

Family Medical History

• Information about cancer or other serious diseases in your close blood relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents)
• This helps your team understand your risk factors

Practical Items

Insurance & ID

• Insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Any authorization forms your insurance requires

Notebook or Recording Device

• Bring a notebook to write down important information
• Ask if you can record the appointment (with permission) so you can review it later
• This helps you remember details and share information with family members

Support Person

• Bring a trusted family member or friend who can help you listen, take notes, and ask questions
• Having another set of ears is valuable during complex medical discussions

Specialized Assessments You May Need

The NCCN Guidelines recommend that your care team may want to perform or discuss:

• Dental evaluation - so bring any dental records if available
• Nutrition assessment - be prepared to discuss your current diet and any swallowing difficulties
• Speech and swallowing evaluation - your team may assess how these functions are working
• Hearing assessment - an audiogram may be recommended

Questions to Ask

Bring a written list of questions you want to discuss, such as:

• What is your experience treating head and neck cancer?
• How many procedures like the one you're recommending have you done?
• What are the expected side effects, and how will we manage them?
• What support services are available (speech therapy, nutrition support, counseling)?
• What is the timeline for my treatment?

Important Note About Smoking & Alcohol

According to NCCN Guidelines, if you currently smoke, your care team will strongly encourage you to quit. If you've quit before, they'll encourage you to stay abstinent. Be honest about your current use—this information helps your team plan the best treatment and support for you.

Summary Checklist

✓ Insurance card and ID
✓ Complete medication list (with dosages)
✓ Previous [ID removed] and test results
✓ List of allergies
✓ Family medical history
✓ Notebook and pen (or recording device)
✓ List of questions
✓ A support person (if possible)

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