Questions to Ponder After a Diagnosis

  • What form of liver cancer do I have, and what subtype do I have?
  • May I know the size of the tumour?
  • What stage of cancer am I in? What exactly does this imply?
  • Is it possible to remove the tumour surgically? What exactly does this mean?
  • Could you please clarify my pathology report (lab test results)?

Risk factor questions to ponder

  • Is it possible that I have liver cirrhosis? What exactly does this imply?
  • Is it possible that I have NAFLD? What exactly does this mean?
  • Is it possible that I have hepatitis B or C? What exactly does this mean?

Questions to consider while selecting a treatment and dealing with adverse effects

  • What therapy choices do I have?
  • Which are the clinical studies eligible for me to participate in? What is their location, and how can I learn more about them?
  • What treatment plan would you suggest? Why?
  • What are the objectives of each treatment? Is it to cure the disease, make me feel better, or do both?
  • What are the possibilities that the planned treatment will be successful?
  • What are the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of this treatment?
  • Is it necessary for me to begin treatment right away?
  • Who will be on my healthcare team, and what will each person’s role be?
  • Who will be in charge of my overall care?
  • What impact will this treatment have on my day-to-day life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and go about my daily routine?
  •  Who can assist me if I’m concerned about managing cancer treatment costs? 
  • What kind of assistance is accessible to me? Is it to my family? 
  • Who should I contact if I have any queries or problems?

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy questions

  • What kind of treatment is suggested?
  • What is the treatment’s purpose?
  • Is it going to be given to you through an IV, a catheter, or a pill?
  • What is the procedure for getting ready for this treatment?
  • How long will this treatment take to administer?
  • Is this treatment something I’ll get at a hospital or a clinic? Or will I take it with me when I get home?
  • What are the possible side effects of treatment?
  • Who should I contact if I have any adverse side effects? And when is it going to happen?
  • Are there any long-term consequences of receiving this treatment?
  • What can be done to avoid or manage these negative consequences?

Radiation therapy-related questions

  • What kind of treatment is suggested?
  • What is the treatment’s purpose?
  • How long will this treatment take to administer?
  • What are the possible side effects of treatment?
  • Are there any long-term consequences of receiving this treatment?
  • What can be done to avoid or manage these negative consequences?
  • Questions to ponder before arranging for follow-up care
  • Is there a danger that cancer will return? Should I be on the lookout for any specific signs or symptoms?
  • What long-term or late impacts can I experience due to the cancer treatment I received?
  • What follow-up tests will I require, and how frequently will they be required?
  • How can I obtain a treatment summary and a survivorship care plan for my records? 
  • Who will be in charge of my follow-up treatment?
  •  What kind of survivorship support services do I have access to? Is it to my family?