Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Questions to Ask About Colorectal Cancer

This is the last page in the Understanding Colorectal Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on April 6th, 2026.

Before your appointments, it can help to write down questions you want to ask your care team. This way, you won't forget anything during your visit. Remember, there are no wrong questions. Your care team wants to make sure you understand your diagnosis and feel confident about your care.

Questions about your colorectal cancer diagnosis

• What type of colorectal cancer do I have, and where is it located?
• What stage is my cancer? What does that mean for my prognosis?
• Has my tumor been tested for genetic and molecular markers? What did the results show?
• Do I have MSI-H or dMMR? How does that affect my treatment options?
• Should I consider genetic counseling or testing for hereditary syndromes like Lynch syndrome?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Questions to ask about colorectal cancer treatment

• What are my treatment options? What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, control it, or relieve symptoms?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will treatment affect my daily life?
• Will I need surgery? If so, what type? Will I need an ostomy?
• Will I need chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy?
• How long will treatment last?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider?

Questions about colorectal cancer surgery and ostomy

• What type of surgery do I need?
• Will I need a temporary or permanent ostomy?
• How should I prepare for surgery?
• What will recovery look like, and how long will it take?

Questions to ask about follow-up care

• How will we know if treatment is working?
• What follow-up tests will I need after treatment ends, and how often?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call your office right away?
• What is the risk that my cancer will come back? What would we do if it did?

Questions to ask about clinical trials

• Are there any clinical trials I might qualify for?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of the trial?
• Will my insurance cover the costs associated with participating in a trial?

Questions to ask about coping and support

• Are there support groups for colorectal cancer patients or survivors in my area or online?
• Can you refer me to an oncology social worker?
• Are there resources to help with the financial costs of treatment?
• How can my family members or caregivers get support?
• Are there palliative care or integrative medicine services available to me?