Questions to Ask

When dealing with breast cancer, there are many questions that arise in regards to treatment and living as a survivor. Although some can be answered through electronic research, like websites and articles, there is no guarantee that the information is from reliable sources. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient utilize his or her physician, and ask questions as needed. Listed below are topics that individuals should discuss with a healthcare professional, and they are divided into sub-groups.

Prior Treatment

·      Will I be able to have children after treatment?

o   Breast cancer treatment can be very aggressive, and “certain [chemotherapy] drugs, may affect a woman’s ability to have a baby (fertility)” (Pregnancy after breast cancer, 2015). This question is typically reserved for post-treatment, when couples hope to become pregnant. However, “the best time to talk with your doctor about fertility is before starting breast cancer treatment,” as the type of treatment could be altered to avoid infertility, while also curing the disease (Pregnancy after breast cancer, 2015).

During Treatment

·      What are treatments options available for me? What about the side effects of that treatment?

o   There are several treatments available for breast cancer, though the severity of the cancer found, will determine which treatment is best. According to “The value of autonomy in medical ethics,” autonomy has taken a major role in medicine, and “it is plausible that autonomous persons are often in the best position to determine what would be good and bad for them (see, e.g., Sumner (1996)) and, consequently, it is arguable that there is good reason to consider patients’ autonomy to have instrumental value in medicine” (Varelius, 2006).  Thus, it can be concluded that it is important for the patient to be well informed about each treatment option, as well as the negative aspects, like risk of death or reoccurrence. Thus, they will be able to make a fully informed decision, which is the goal of autonomy within healthcare.

After Treatment

·      How often should I visit a physician after treatment?

o   Regardless of the severity of breast cancer, physicians will require frequent check-ups. According to “Moving on after treatment for breast cancer” (2015), these physician visits will include physical exams and discussions about symptoms. They will also require certain tests, like mammograms, blood work, and several others. “Follow-up is needed to watch for treatment side effects and to check for cancer that has come back or spread (Moving on after treatment for breast cancer, 2015).

These are typical questions that can be asked, among many. It is important for the patient to be highly involved in their health, and being adequately informed is key. Thus, as mentioned, it is recommended to ask as many questions as needed.

Works Cited

Moving on after treatment for breast cancer. (2015). Retrieved July 25, 2015, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/overviewguide/breast-cancer-overview-after-follow-up

Pregnancy after breast cancer. (2015). Retrieved July 25, 2015, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-after-pregnancy-after

Varelius, J. (2006). The value of autonomy in medical ethics. Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy Med Health Care Philos, 377-388.