Bowel Cancer Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, it can be difficult to remember everything you want to ask. Preparing questions before an appointment can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and next steps more clearly.

This checklist is for general information only. Your own questions may depend on your diagnosis, cancer stage, treatment plan and personal needs.

Questions About Diagnosis

• What type of bowel cancer do I have?
• Is it colon cancer, rectal cancer or another type of colorectal cancer?
• What tests have been done so far?
• Do I need more tests before treatment starts?
• Has the cancer spread?
• What stage is the cancer?
• What does this stage mean?

For more background, read our Staging Bowel Cancer and Prognosis articles.

Questions About Treatment

• What treatment do you recommend?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• Are there other treatment options?
• Will I need surgery?
• Will I need chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy?
• How long will treatment take?
• Will I need to stay in hospital?
• Could I need a temporary or permanent stoma?

You may also want to read Treatment for Early Bowel Cancer and Chemotherapy.

Questions About Side Effects

• What side effects are common with this treatment?
• Which side effects need urgent medical attention?
• Will treatment affect my bowel habits?
• Could treatment affect my fertility or sexual health?
• Will I be able to work, drive or exercise?
• Who should I contact if symptoms get worse?

Questions About Daily Life

• Should I change my diet before or after treatment?
• Can I continue normal activities?
• What support services are available?
• Can I speak with a dietitian, nurse, social worker or counsellor?
• What financial or practical support may be available?

For more practical topics, visit our Diet After Treatment and Seeking Support guides.

Questions About Follow-Up

• How often will I need follow-up appointments?
• What tests will I need after treatment?
• What symptoms should I report quickly?
• What happens if bowel cancer returns?
• Who is my main contact after treatment?

Final Thoughts

It can help to write questions down, take notes during the appointment and bring a trusted person with you. If you do not understand an answer, ask your doctor or nurse to explain it again in simpler words.