10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Colon Cancer Diagnosis

The stress of a colon cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, so it's very important to have a support system of family and friends to help you with the questions and decisions you face. In this Health Alert, Johns Hopkins provides practical advice to help you cope.

Q. My doctor just told me that I have colon cancer and will need to undergo colon cancer surgery. Should I get a second opinion?

A. It is common for people to request a second opinion, especially before surgery or other involved treatment. Indeed, many insurance companies require a second opinion.

Ask your insurance company what your policy covers and if it requires you to see a doctor within that plan. Also tell your doctor you would like to have a second opinion. Most doctors are accustomed to this and will be supportive.

Ask for a referral and for copies of your medical records, including all test results, x-rays, and other imaging tests to take with you to the next doctor. You may have to sign a release and pay a copying fee, but there should be no problem in getting your records. If a second opinion (or the doctor you wish to consult) is not covered by insurance, it may be worthwhile to pay for this examination out of pocket.

When you meet with your doctor, be prepared in advance with questions you want to ask. For example:

Where is the colon cancer located?
Is the cancer in more than one place?
Are the lymph glands involved?
Has the cancer spread outside the colon? Are other organs involved?
What stage is the cancer, and exactly what does that mean?
Is this type of cancer life threatening?
Are there other tests I should have?
How soon do I need to begin cancer treatment?
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Is colon cancer genetic? Could my children be at risk?

Comments

Banana Corn Fritters

Banana Corn Fritters 3/4 cup Arrowhead Mills Organic Corn Meal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon Swanson Organic Cinnamon 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Swanson Organic Cayenne Pepper 1 1/4 cups bananas, roughly mashed (about 3 medium bananas) 1 large egg 2 tablespoons skim milk 2 tablespoons Swanson Organic Coconut Oil , divided Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Whisk corn meal, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and cayenne in a medium bowl. Mix banana, egg and milk in a separate bowl. Add the cornmeal mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just blended. Heat one tablespoon coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Using 2 tablespoons of batter for each, space 5 fritters evenly in the pan. Cook until golden brown, 30 seconds to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cook a second batch with the remaining oil and batter, adjusting heat to prevent b

THE TRUTH ABOUT MENOPAUSE, WEIGHT GAIN AND "THE POOCH"

By Colleen McCleery, MD, OB/GYN—Exuberan® by Virtua Menopause is a mixed bag of little surprises. While most women look forward to saying goodbye to tampons and pads, far fewer are excited to now experience hot flashes and night sweats. And it’s probably fair to say that weight gain is the least popular and often least expected “side effect” of this hormonal shift. Considering many women struggle with their weight on a good day, it’s not surprising that this is the number one complaint from patients who are going through this transition. The biology of menopause During the late 40s to mid-50s, a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) increases and no longer performs its job to regulate the ovaries. During this increase in FSH, other hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone decrease. A decrease in testosterone can lead to weight gain and decreased energy. And, not surprisingly, estrogen loss has far-reaching effects beyond hot flashes. It contribut

Adopting a Vegetarian Diet

Adopting a vegetarian diet has become a popular choice for individuals looking to improve their health, particularly as heart disease and obesity rates continue to rise in many parts of the world. Vegetarians tend to have lower cholesterol levels and consume fewer trans fats than those who consume meat and dairy products. However, to maintain good health, vegetarians must ensure they obtain the right amount of nutrients from their vegan diets. By taking care to plan their diets carefully, vegetarians can enjoy a satisfying and tasty way of life. While there is no established vegan diet, it is widely agreed that with so many vegetarian diets to choose from, the choice is ultimately up to the individual. However, vegetarians must be cautious not to make their diets too restrictive as this can lead to difficulties in meeting the body's daily nutritional requirements. Commonly deficient nutrients among vegetarians include protein, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc. Soy pr

Daily Health News Blog

Search This Blog