How Do I Prepare for a Cancer Appointment?
Cancer appointments can contain more information than anyone should be expected to remember in one conversation.
There may be test results, treatment discussions, medication information, scheduling, insurance questions, unfamiliar terminology, and decisions that lead to even more questions.
Preparation will not remove the uncertainty.
But it can make it easier to leave the appointment knowing what was discussed and what happens next.
If you're prepared for the appointment but are wondering what to ask once you're there, see What Questions Should I Ask at a Cancer Appointment?.
On this page
Before the Appointment, Write Down Your Questions
Do not rely on remembering them in the room.
As questions occur to you, write them down.
Before the appointment, identify the questions that feel most important.
You might want to ask about:
- What happens next
- Tests or procedures
- Treatment
- Medications
- Side effects
- Symptoms
- Scheduling
- Who to call with questions
- What should prompt a call to the care team
- Follow-up appointments
Your healthcare team can help determine which questions apply to your situation.
Bring an Updated Medication List
Keep an accurate list of medications and supplements you are taking, including information requested by your healthcare team.
If something has changed since your last appointment, make a note of it.
Do not change or stop medications based on a checklist or general information.
Medication decisions belong with qualified healthcare professionals.
Write Down Changes You Want to Discuss
Before the appointment, think about what has changed since your last visit.
You may want to note changes involving:
- Symptoms
- Pain
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Energy
- Mobility
- Medication effects
- Daily activities
- Other concerns
Describe what you are experiencing as specifically as you can.
Bring the Information the Care Team Requested
Depending on the appointment, you may have been asked to bring:
- Identification
- Insurance information
- Medication information
- Records
- Imaging
- Test information
- Forms
- Other materials
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
If you are unsure what to bring, contact the office and ask.
Consider Bringing Another Person
If permitted and helpful, another person may be able to:
- Listen
- Take notes
- Help remember questions
- Help recall what was discussed
- Provide transportation
- Help organize follow-up tasks
Decide before the appointment what kind of help you want from them.
During the Appointment, Take Notes
You do not need to write down every word.
Focus on:
- What was explained
- Decisions made
- New instructions
- Medication information
- Tests ordered
- Appointments needed
- Who you need to contact
- Questions that remain unanswered
If you do not understand something, ask the healthcare professional to explain it again.
Before You Leave, Ask "What Happens Next?"
This one question can uncover several important details.
Try to leave knowing:
- What happens next
- Whether anything is being scheduled
- Whether you need tests
- Whether medications changed
- What you should do at home
- What symptoms or changes should prompt a call
- Who you should call
- When you should expect results
- When the next appointment will be
If instructions are available in writing or through a patient portal, ask where to find them.
After the Appointment, Capture the Follow-Up
When you get home, organize:
- Notes
- New appointments
- Medication instructions
- Tests
- Referrals
- Questions that remain
- Tasks for you
- Tasks for your caregiver or support person
Appointments can blur together over time.
Keeping each visit organized can help you see what happened and what still needs attention.
Keep a Running Question List Between Visits
Questions do not conveniently appear only during appointments.
Create one place to record them when they come to mind.
Then review the list before the next visit.
For a broader set of questions organized by topic, What Questions Should I Ask at a Cancer Appointment? can help you prepare.
When to Bring in a Professional
Questions involving diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, medications, side effects, tests, prognosis, nutrition, mental health, or changes in your condition should be discussed with appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
Do not delay contacting your healthcare team because you are waiting for your next scheduled appointment if you have been instructed to report a symptom or change.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact appropriate emergency services.
Remember This
You do not have to remember the entire appointment.
Bring the questions.
Take the notes.
Clarify what you do not understand.
Leave knowing what happens next.
Then put the information somewhere you can find it again.
Important Information
Crisis Navigations provides educational and organizational information to help you identify questions, organize information, and prepare for potential next steps. This resource is not medical, legal, financial, tax, insurance, mental health, or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from an appropriately qualified professional.
Every situation is different. Information that applies in one circumstance may not apply to another. You are responsible for determining what is appropriate for your circumstances and when professional assistance is needed.
If you are experiencing a medical, safety, mental health, or other emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service or qualified professional.
Please review our for complete information about the scope and limitations of Crisis Navigations resources.
Keep the Information From Every Appointment Together
The Cancer Care Binder™ helps organize appointments, questions, medications, notes, contacts, treatment information, follow-up tasks, and the practical details that can become difficult to manage during cancer care.
Explore The Cancer Care Binder™Related resources
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What Questions Should I Ask at a Cancer Appointment?
Practical questions to ask at a cancer appointment about diagnosis, treatment, tests, side effects, medications, next steps, and when to call the care team.