Access information on common Pancreas cancer questions at Consumer Reports Health.

Pancreas cancer

Questions to ask your doctor

Being diagnosed with a serious illness such as pancreas cancer is a shock. You may find it hard to think of everything you want to ask your doctor.

It might help to make a list of questions before an appointment to see your doctor. You could also take notes during your consultation. You may like to bring a close friend or relative with you.

General questions

Where did my cancer start?
Is my cancer in the head, body or tail of my pancreas?
Has my cancer spread?
Do I need more tests to check if it has spread?
What is the stage of my disease?
What treatment choices do I have?
Can you operate?
Will you be able to help with the pain?
What help or support can I get to help me cope?
Can I get help with my diet and exercise?
Are there any clinical trials I could join?

Questions about surgery

Why do you think I should have surgery?
Will surgery mean I live longer?
What kind of operation do you recommend?
What are the risks of surgery?
Where would I go to have surgery? Is it a specialist center?
How will I feel after the operation?
Will it be painful after? And how can this be treated?
Will my diet have to be changed?
How long will I be in the hospital?
When will I get back to my normal activities?

Questions about medical treatments

What treatments do you recommend?
Why do I need these treatments? What are the benefits?
Will they help me live longer or do they just help my symptoms?
What are the side effects of these treatments?
Can the side effects be treated?
How should I expect to feel during treatment?
How will treatment affect my normal activities?
How long will it go on?
Will I need to be in the hospital or can treatment be done as an outpatient?
How will I know if the treatment is working?

This information was last updated on Apr 22, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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