Important questions to ask your specialist about bowel cancer

If the following issues are not raised during your consultation, you should ask the following questions where appropriate.

1. Has my cancer spread and, if so, how far?
2. What are my chances of recovery?
3. What is your experience in treating patients with this disease?
4. Am I likely to need a colostomy? If so, might it be permanent?
5. What specialists will I see in my treatment and recovery? What will their roles be?
6. Which postoperative treatments do you recommend, if any? Do I have any other options besides radiation or chemotherapy?
7. What side effects should I look for if I need those treatments? Whom should I call about any side-effects?
8. How often should I be screened for recurrent cancer?
9. Is there any way to help prevent the return of my cancer?
10. Can you recommend a good support group or resource where I can get more information?