Some people do not like to question what a doctor says. This may mean you do not feel able to talk openly with your doctors, or feel that you must accept your doctor’s treatment plan for your cancer without question. However, doctors are used to being asked questions and explaining the reasons behind their decisions, so feel free to ask questions until you feel that you understand what is going on.  It may be helpful to make a list of the questions that you want to ask.

Doctors and nurses are very familiar with technical medical information and may use medical terms, forgetting that other people are less familiar with them. If you do not understand their explanations, or you are not clear exactly what is being recommended, do not be afraid to ask. It is important to keep asking questions until you feel you have all the information that you need to make choices about treatment.

Don’t be rushed. If the discussion seems to be taking a lot of time and your doctor appears very busy, ask if there is a nurse or someone else who would be able to spend more time answering your questions. Most cancer clinics and hospitals have specialist nurses who can sit down with you and explain treatment options.

Written information can help you to remember what you are told. You could ask if there are booklets about your type of cancer and its treatment that you can take home to read. You can also make a note of questions that come to mind while you are reading, and can ask the questions at your next appointment with your GP or specialist.

If your hearing is poor, you may find it difficult to communicate with the people looking after you. Don’t worry about asking for information to be repeated if you did not hear it properly. You may also find it helpful to take someone else with you when you visit your GP or specialist, to act as another pair of ears. Your friend or family member can then repeat everything back to you later if you have missed important information. If you would prefer to take someone other than a friend or family member, you can contact local independent advocacy services. Your doctor or nurse can tell you how to get in touch with them. 

If your eyesight is poor, you may find forms and information leaflets difficult to read. Some are available in a large print format or your doctor can arrange for someone to read them to you. Information tapes may also be available which you can play on a personal stereo at home.

Between your hospital appointments, you may develop new symptoms, or your symptoms may get worse. If this happens, don’t be frightened to call your doctor or specialist and ask if your next hospital appointment can be brought forward. Although you may not want to bother them, it may be in everyone’s best interests for you to be seen earlier.

Some hospital doctors have specialist nurses who work alongside them, and it can be easier for you to contact the specialist nurse and explain your symptoms. If they think that you should see the doctor earlier than planned, they can usually easily arrange this.

Usually you will meet the specialist nurses when you are in the clinic, and they will give you a card with details of how to contact them. You may be asked to leave a message on their answerphone and they will return your call.

If English is not your first language, or sometimes even if it is, you may have difficulties understanding the information given to you, or in letting the doctors know your wishes.

If you have a trusted family member or friend who can act as a translator, or who can help you express yourself, then do not be afraid to ask for them to be included in all discussions.

If you prefer to have translation from someone other than a friend or family member, the hospital can provide an independent person from a translation service. They can speak your language, help with communication and will respect your privacy when hearing confidential information.

Information leaflets may be available in different languages, or the hospital may be able to have them translated for you.

People from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds have different ways of dealing with the diagnosis of cancer and its implications. You may need to help your doctors understand how your ethnic background affects your treatment decisions and your healthcare needs.