Beyond the White Coat: Taking the Scare Out of Care

Your doctor is your best source of information and really wants to help you. But sometimes it can feel like you speak different languages. Luckily, there are things you can do to break through the communication barrier and get the most out of each visit.1
Download the discussion guide (English / Español) to get the most out of conversations with your doctor and loved ones.
Consider what you want the doctor to know. It can help to spend some time before your visit thinking about how you’ve been doing. Write down
- How you’ve been feeling
- Your concerns
- What you want out of treatment1
Write any questions you want to ask so you don't forget
- How will I know it's time for me to begin treatment?
- What tests are right for me now, and what do they mean?
- What are my treatment choices?
- What resources are available for me when I need support?
- How will I know if my treatment is working?
- What kind of side effects should I expect with my treatment?
- What should I do if I have side effects?1
Take someone with you. Sometimes another set of ears (or hands to take notes) can help1
Consider what you want the doctor to know. It can help to spend some time before your visit thinking about how you’ve been doing. Write down
- How you’ve been feeling
- Your concerns
- What you want out of treatment1
Write any questions you want to ask so you don't forget
- How will I know it's time for me to begin treatment?
- What tests are right for me now, and what do they mean?
- What are my treatment choices?
- What resources are available for me when I need support?
- How will I know if my treatment is working?
- What kind of side effects should I expect with my treatment?
- What should I do if I have side effects?1
Take someone with you. Sometimes another set of ears (or hands to take notes) can help1
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Reference
- American Cancer Society. Talking with Your Doctor. American Cancer Society website. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/talking-with-your-doctor-english-pdf.pdf. Updated November 17, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2022.