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Questions to ask your child's physician
No parent wants to see their child suffer. A diagnosis of cancer in a child is one of the most devastating events in a parent's life. One of the best coping mechanisms is to be informed. Cancer is extremely complex and difficult to understand. It is important to ask as many questions as necessary - to be completely clear about the diagnosis and what to expect and to understand why certain tests are being done. Parents are entitled to a clear explanation about anything related to their child's condition. Here are some important questions you may consider asking your child's physician:
- What type of cancer does my child have?
- What is it called and what does the name mean?
- What caused the cancer?
- How do I explain the disease to my child? How much do they need to know?
- What do we do about the disease? What is next?
- How do we know if a treatment is working? What about other treatments I have read about in magazines and on the Internet?
- Are there any problems that will occur from the treatment?
- What if the disease comes back again?
- What do I do if my child has a problem coping with the disease or the treatment for the disease? Where do I turn for help?
- What support groups are available?
Need more information or an appointment? We’re happy to help.
For appointments, contact the individual programs within our MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.