HIV and AIDS-Related Cancer

Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

General questions:

• What is my diagnosis? What does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What are my treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How can my HIV infection be managed during cancer treatment?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my medical care, who can help me with these concerns?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?
  

For people who need surgery:

• What are the possible side effects of surgery?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital for this surgery? For how long?
• When can I expect to recover from surgery?

For people who need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy:

• What type of therapy or medications will I receive?
• How do I prepare for this treatment?
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?
  

For people who need radiation therapy:

• What kind of radiation therapy will I receive? How often will I receive this treatment?
• How do I prepare for this treatment?
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

After treatment:

• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What are the chances that the cancer will return?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?