Bone Cancer (Sarcoma of Bone) Questions to Ask the Health Care Team
ASCO shares some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.
Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis:
What type of bone sarcoma do I have?
Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
Has this diagnosis been reviewed by a pathologist who is experienced in the diagnosis and classification of sarcoma?
What stage and grade is the bone sarcoma? What does that mean?
Where exactly is the cancer located?
Was my case discussed in a tumor board or other multidisciplinary conference? What does this mean?
What experience does your center have in treating this rare type of sarcoma? Should I be referred to a sarcoma specialty center?
Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects:
What are my treatment options?
What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?
What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?
What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
What is the expected timeline for my treatment plan?
Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
Is there someone who provides supportive counseling? If not, can you refer me to a therapist in the community?
Who will be leading my overall treatment?
How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
If I have questions or problems, who should I call?
Questions to ask about having surgery:
What type of surgery will I have? Will lymph nodes be removed?
What is the goal of this surgery?
How long will the operation take?
How long will I be in the hospital?
Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?
Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?
If needed, what types of rehabilitation services are available?
What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?
What can be done to relieve the side effects?
Will I need additional treatment after surgery?
Questions to ask about having therapies using medication:
What type of treatment is recommended?
What is the goal of this treatment?
How long will it take to give this treatment?
Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?
What side effects can I expect during treatment?
Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?
What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?
What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?
Questions to ask about having radiation therapy:
What type of treatment is recommended?
What is the goal of this treatment?
How long will it take to give this treatment?
What side effects can I expect during treatment?
Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?
What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?
What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?
Questions to ask about planning follow-up care:
What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?
What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?
What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?
How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?
Who will be leading my follow-up care?
What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?
