Patients with HIV and cancer should often talk with the doctors and members of the health care team to help them better understand the cancer diagnosis, the cancer treatment regime, and post-treatment follow-up care. The patients may ask the doctors or health care providers the following questions to help them learn more about cancer care and the treatment.
Questions to ask while opting for cancer treatment and managing the side effects
- What are the treatment options available for HIV associated cancer?
- What treatment plan is recommended for patients with HIV and cancer?
- Why is the treatment plan suggested for patients with HIV and cancer?
- What are the available clinical trials for patients with HIV and cancer? How can I know more about them?
- What are the expected short-term and long-term side effects of the recommended treatment in patients with HIV and cancer?
- What are the goals of the recommended treatment for HIV associated cancer?
- Who will be my health care team members, and what are their roles?
- How will health care members manage the HIV infection during cancer treatment?
- Who will be leading the overall treatment regime?
- Will the recommended treatment affect my daily life; and will this affect my ability to work and perform daily activities?
- Will this treatment plan affect my sexual life? If yes, then for how long?
- Will the treatment for HIV associated cancer decrease my chance of conceiving a baby? Will it cause any complications during pregnancy? Should I need to consult any gynaecologist before or after the treatment?
- Who can help me with information related to the financial management of medical costs for HIV associated cancer treatment?
- What kind of cancer support services are available to my family or me?
- Who should I consult for any queries or problems?
Questions to ask before and after surgery
- What type of surgery will be performed?
- How long will the operation take?
- Also, how good will my recovery from surgery be?
- How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
- What are the expected short-term and long-term effects of surgery for patients with HIV and cancer?
- Who should I consult regarding the side effects?
Questions to ask regarding therapies using medication
- What is the goal of the treatment?
- What medication will be recommended for patients with HIV associated cancer?
- How should I prepare myself for this treatment?
- Will I get this treatment at a clinic or hospital? Can I take the treatment at home?
- How long should I take the treatment?
- What are the expected side effects of the treatment for patients with HIV and cancer?
- What are the possible short-term and long-term effects of this treatment?
- Who should I consult for the side effects?
- What should I do to relieve the side effects?
Questions to ask before and after radiation therapy
- What is the goal of this treatment?
- What kind of radiation therapy will be prescribed for patients with HIV and cancer?
- How often must I receive this treatment?
- Also, how long will the radiation therapy take?
- How do I prepare myself for radiation therapy?
- What are the expected short-term and long-term side effects of HIV associated cancer treatment?
- Who should I consult regarding the side effects?
- What should I do to relieve the side effects?
Questions to ask while planning for follow-up care
- What are the chances of cancer relapse; and what signs and symptoms should I look out for?
- What type of follow-up tests will be required?
- How often should I take up the follow-up tests, and for how long?
- What are the possible short-term and long-term side effects of the cancer treatment I received?
- Where can I get my cancer treatment summary to keep track of my treatment records?
- What are the available survivorship support services for patients with HIV and cancer?
- Who will be supervising the entire follow-up care?
