Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Lung Cancer

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Lung Cancer

When you’re facing a frightening diagnosis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things that you don’t know or understand. These questions can help open or continue the dialog with your doctor and get you information that you’ll need to make informed choices about your treatment.

1. What kind of cancer do I have?
There are two main types of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The treatment and prognosis for each is different from the other. Knowing which type of cancer you have can help you learn about the treatment options that will be best in your situation.

2. How far advanced is the cancer?
Cancer is defined in stages. SCLC has two stages – Limited and Extended. NSCLC has four – stages I through IV. The stage of the cancer is determined by the size of the tumor(s), and whether or not the cancer has spread beyond the lungs. Lung cancer is most treatable in the earliest stages, but even if it has advanced, there are treatment options available.

3. What is my prognosis?
The prognosis is the most likely outcome of the disease in your particular case. Your doctor will take into account the stage of your cancer, as well as your general overall health and the treatment options available. This is a question you should ask again and again, since your prognosis is subject to change. For instance, the likely outcome of your condition may improve substantially if you undergo successful thoracic surgery.

4. Can my cancer be surgically removed?
Removing the cancerous tumor surgically is often an option in the early stages of lung cancer. In most cases, it offers the best chance for long-term recovery.

5. What are my treatment options?
Your most likely treatment options with be chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Photodynamic light therapy has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of both SCLC and NSCLC, and may be useful in cases where surgery is impossible because of the location of the tumor(s).

6. What can I do to improve my chances of recovery and decrease the risks of recurrence?
There may be changes you can make to your lifestyle and diet that can significantly improve your chances of recovery from lung cancer. Research strongly suggests that including more cruciferous vegetables in your diet may help prevent recurrence of lung cancer in some people, for instance, and the preliminary results of clinical trials suggest that selenium supplements may confer some protection against recurrence as well. In addition, maintaining some physical activity, giving up smoking and losing weight may all provide some benefit.

7. Are there any clinical trials that may be appropriate for me?
Participating in a clinical trial may give you the chance for treatments that aren’t generally available. Your doctor may be able to recommend you for a clinical trial of a new medication or treatment.

Remember that you can and should take an active part in your own treatment. The more you know, the more able you will be to make important decisions about your treatments. Asking questions of your doctor is one of the best ways to learn information that you need.