I've Just Been Diagnosed With Colon Cancer And I'm Scared: What Should I Ask My Doctor?

Colon cancer starts when abnormal lumps called polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don't have these polyps removed, they can sometimes change into cancer.  It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts. If you get the recommended screenings, your doctor will have time to remove any polyps that form, before they can cause problems.

Understanding Your Colon Cancer Diagnosis

Learning more about your diagnosis can help you feel in control. Ask your healthcare team for more information about your specific type of colon cancer. There are a few basic things you can do to help manage the process when you first learn of your colon cancer diagnosis.

• Have someone come with you to the doctor: it is important to bring a close friend or family member not only to support you, but also to help you understand and digest all the information.
• Take notes: writing down what you hear can help you focus and create a record of the information so you can refer to it later on.
• Don't be afraid to get a second opinion: your doctor won't be offended if you get a second opinion. It is extremely important to go through the process with a doctor you trust.

Consider asking:

1. What type of cancer do I have?
2. What stage is the cancer?
3. Has the cancer spread to other organs? If so, where?
4. Is my colon cancer MSI-High?
5. What does my prognosis looks like?
6. Should I see a genetic counselor for testing?
7. Should any of my family members be tested?
8. Will I have a better chance of success if I travel to a cancer treatment center instead of seeing a local provider?
9. Should I consider getting a second opinion?

 

Understanding Your Colon Cancer Treatment

You will also want to ask about your treatment options. Knowing what to expect during treatment will help you plan ahead for any additional care or support you may need during this time.

Consider asking:

1. What are my treatment options? Will I have surgery performed, or chemo, or both?
2. How soon should I begin treatment?
3. How will you determine which treatment is best for me?
4. What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
5. What are the potential risks of treatment?
6. If I have surgery, what are the chances I end up with a colostomy bag?
7. How will we know if treatment is working?
8. What's the goal of this treatment? Will it cure me of cancer, control the disease or stop it from coming back?
9. What is the expected recovery time with each treatment option?
10. How long will treatment last?
11. Will I be able to work while receiving treatment?

 

Finding Hope after Colon Cancer Diagnosis

"A positive attitude is really important," says Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, negative feelings are normal. Totally normal. Men and women react differently. Anger, shame, fear, anxiety. It's to be expected. Experienced doctors will tell you that people who find a way to work through the emotions and stay positive do end up doing better.

Knowledge is power. By asking your doctor these questions, you can learn more about your colon cancer diagnosis and make informed decisions about your treatment options. Remaining positive throughout your journey will help you successfully manage your symptoms and take advantage of opportunities for support.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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