Preparing for an appointment

If your doctor suspects that you may have rectal cancer, you'll likely be referred to one or more specialists who treat rectal cancer, including:

• A doctor who treats digestive diseases (gastroenterologist)
• A doctor who treats cancer (oncologist)
• A surgeon specializing in procedures involving the colon and rectum (colorectal surgeon)
• A doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologist)

Here are some things you can do before you meet with these doctors:

• Find out if there's anything you need to do before your appointment, such as avoid certain foods or medications.
• Make a list of all your medications, including vitamins or supplements.
• Consider taking a family member or friend along to take notes on what your doctors say, so that you can concentrate on listening.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For rectal cancer, here are some questions you may want to ask:

• In what part of the rectum is my cancer located?
• What is the stage of my rectal cancer?
• Has my rectal cancer spread to other parts of my body?
• Will I need more tests?
• What are the treatment options?
• How much does each treatment increase my chances of a cure?
• What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
• How will each treatment affect my daily life?
• Is there one treatment that you feel is best for me?
• What would you recommend to a family member or friend in my same situation?
• How much time can I take to make my decision about treatment?
• Should I seek a second opinion?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?