At Your Appointment

Ovarian Cancer Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has a doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with ovarian cancer?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
Submit

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Ovarian Cancer If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• Have you been previously diagnosed with any other type of cancer?
• What other health conditions do you have? How are you treating and managing them?
• Have you ever been tested for BRCA genes or worked with a genetic counselor?
• Are you having any pain or other symptoms?
• When was your last CA-125 test?
• Are you having any pain or other symptoms?
• Describe your symptoms. Are you having abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, weight loss, frequent urination, or changes in bowel habits?
• When did you first notice your symptoms and how long have you had them?
• Are your symptoms constant or do they come and go? What makes your symptoms better or worse?
• What kind of emotional and social support do you have to help you cope with ovarian cancer?
• When was your last pelvic exam?
• Do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer? What other cancers are in your family?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Ovarian Cancer Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• What is a CA-125 test and what does it tell you about ovarian cancer?
• What tests do I need to find out if the cancer has spread?
• What stage is my cancer? How aggressive is it likely to be?
• What treatment plan do you recommend for me? And why?
• What are the possible side effects of the treatment you are recommending? Are any of them permanent? Are there other options if side effects become troublesome?
• What is my prognosis?
• Do my symptoms mean I have ovarian cancer?
• Could my symptoms be caused by another medical condition or noncancerous tumor?
• What tests do I need to find out whether it is cancer or not?
• How is ovarian cancer diagnosed and how long will it take to get the results of the diagnostic tests?
• How do you treat ovarian cancer?
• What can I do to lower my risk of ovarian cancer?

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