Talking to Your Doctor

Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Esophageal Cancer

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with esophageal cancer. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Your Risk of Developing Esophageal Cancer

Is there anything in my medical history to warrant a look at and biopsy of my esophagus?
How do I know if my heartburn is being treated adequately to prevent it from becoming cancer?

When you’re told you have esophageal cancer

Where is the cancer located?
Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
What is the cancers stage and what does that mean?
Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals?
If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?

About Treatment Options

What treatments do you recommend?
Please explain the risks and benefits of each treatment.
How effective are these treatments?
What is the long-term outlook for this type of cancer?
Can you refer me to an organized support group so I can talk to others who have had similar experiences?

About Quality of Life Issues

Please connect me with a pain treatment center.
Do I need a nutritionist?
How severe do my swallowing symptoms need to be before I should seek intervention to prevent lung complications?
How will different treatment options affect my quality of life?

About End-of-Life Preparations

When should I consider hospice care?
What can hospice care offer my family and I?
When should I bring my family in for open progress reports?
What legal considerations do I need to better manage my health?

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

You will be in frequent contact with your healthcare team. Arrange a time to discuss these important issues and events:

Before choosing a recommended treatment
When you are not maintaining your weight
When you are aspirating (inhaling) food, liquids, or saliva
When your pain relief is insufficient
When care in your present situation is inadequate or an excessive burden on your caretakers

References:

Esophagus cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 3, 2020.

Talking with your health care team. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/talk-with-doctors. Accessed January 3, 2020.

Tips for talking to your doctor. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed January 3, 2020.

Last reviewed January 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated: 11/4/2020

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