The need for answers
After being diagnosed some people might be very keen to find out as much as possible about their cancer. Others will prefer to let the medical team get on with plans for their treatment. If you are one of those people who need answers straight away, the urge to get the information quickly can be overwhelming. Talking through your situation can help you identify the questions you will want to ask your local medical team.
This can be a good time to telephone a support and information helpline or visit your local information and support service. You will also find you can obtain more information both over the phone and in written form. You can obtain booklets or fact sheets which you can mull over when you feel ready.
You may also find it reassuring to contact a cancer Self help and support group and talk to someone who has been through the same experience and knows how it feels.
Many hospitals now have specialist nurses, often Macmillan nurses, who can answer your questions and explain in more detail what your treatment options are, what they involve and what other help you can get.
Talking to the medical team
Over a period of time, most people with cancer are able to build good, trusting relationships both with their doctors, and with other medical staff.
Communication between medical staff and people affected by cancer is improving all the time. There is a growing awareness of the need to talk to patients and those close to them with greater sensitivity.
Sometimes women with cancer may find it difficult to talk to a male member of the medical staff about their problems, and the same applies to men talking to female medical staff. For both men and women, this can be a particular problem if the worries are about how the disease or treatment might affect things like going to the toilet or their sex life.
If you feel like this, ask if there is a same sex member of staff you can see instead. Hospital staff are usually very understanding.
You might find this question sheet [PDF, 29 KB] helpful to print out and bring with you.