WebMD's 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Advanced Prostate Cancer

Going to the doctor when you have a serious illness can be intimidating. You might feel overwhelmed and forget to ask questions that are important. It's always a good idea to know what to ask beforehand and to take notes with the doctor. Some of the questions below may be worth asking. Print out this page and take it with you to your next appointment.

1. Given the stage of my cancer, my age, and my overall health, which treatment option do you recommend, and why?

2. What are the costs, benefits, and risks of my treatment options?

3. What kind of side effects can I expect from the treatment, and how long will they last?

4. Is there anything I can do to combat potential side effects?

5. Will I need special assistance from my spouse or a friend during treatment?

6. What are the chances that this treatment will help to control the further spread of cancer?

7. Can you put me in touch with other patients who have received the treatment that you've recommended for me?

8. In addition to receiving the recommended treatment, what else can I do to stay as healthy as possible?

9. If this treatment fails to control the further spread of the cancer, do other standard treatment options exist for me?

10. Am I a good candidate for any clinical trials and, if so, how can I find out more about them?