Involvement in your cancer care

Know the T.I.P.S.

Be informed and get involved in decisions about your care

Throughout your cancer treatment you may need to make choices about your care. It’s important you know all of the options available to you.

Every cancer is different, and so are the treatment and care options for each person. The cancer treatment you receive may be impacted by a number of factors. These include:

• the type of cancer you have
• the stage of your cancer
• your current health.

At each stage of your treatment, it is important that you understand your treatment options so that you can make the best decision about your care, together with your doctor. If you are unsure about what your options are ask your doctor to talk through them with you.

What do you need to think about when making decisions about your treatment?

To ensure you are making informed decisions about your cancer care you should feel comfortable to ask your doctor questions about your treatment, including potential benefits and side effects. If they cannot explain your options clearly, ask them to explain them again or give them to you in writing.

You have the final say in your cancer treatment. If you do not feel comfortable with the answers and options provided to you by your doctor you can ask for a second opinion.

Ask your doctor about the range of treatment options that are appropriate for you and why they are recommending a particular treatment.

Questions you may want to ask

About your cancer (Show more)

Having tests (Show more)

Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) (Show more)

Treatment choices (Show more)

Clinical trials (Show more)

Having treatment (Show more)

Practical questions (Show more)

What if (Show more)

Download a copy of our question sheet to take with you.