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Questions for Your Provider
- Why is radiation therapy being recommended?
- How will radiation therapy affect my risk of having local recurrence, distant metastasis or a new breast cancer? Please explain the differences to me.
- How long will each treatment take? How many treatment sessions will I have?
- Can I come alone, or should a friend or relative come with me?
- What clothes should I wear to the therapy sessions?
- What side effects should I expect, and how long might they last? What symptoms need medical attention?
- Who do I call/contact if I have problems or questions about my treatment? What about on holidays or during the weekend?
- Can I wear a bra during the course of radiation treatment?
- What are the long-term risks of this treatment?
- What precautions should I take during treatment?
- What lotion, soaps or other skincare products should I use or avoid?
- What problems should I report to you?
- Can I continue normal activities? Are there any activities I should avoid?
- Where can I find a support group for people living with breast cancer (or cancer in general)?
- Should I continue to see my internist/general practitioner and gynecologist during my treatment?
- How often will I have check-ups and tests needed after treatment is completed? Which health care provider will manage my care?
- Who will be responsible for my follow-up care after treatment is over?
- Will insurance cover my treatment?
- What do I need to consider before treatment begins if I would like to have a child after I have been treated for breast cancer?
Learn more about talking to your health care provider.
Updated 08/24/09
