Colorectal cancer (CRC), which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Each year, more than 150,000 people are diagnosed. While it can occur at any age, rates have been rising among younger adults in recent years. 

Following a CRC diagnosis, one of the best steps you can take is to prepare questions for your doctor. Asking the right questions helps you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and the resources available to support you. This can give you a greater sense of control and help you make the best treatment decisions during a time when you’ll be asked to quickly process a lot of complex information.

Here are some important questions you may want to bring to your appointment:

• What stage is my CRC, and what does that mean for treatment?
• Where exactly is the cancer located, and how does that affect my care plan?
• What treatment options are available to me?
• How can biomarker testing help guide treatment decisions?
• Are there clinical trials that may be appropriate for me?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will treatment affect my daily life, including eating, digestion, and bowel function?
• How often will I need follow-up imaging or colonoscopies?
• What supportive resources does this cancer center offer, such as palliative care, nutrition guidance, financial assistance, or mental health support?

Be sure to bring a notebook and a pen to write down the answers to your questions so you can refer to them whenever you need. Don’t hesitate to bring a friend or family member to your appointments. They can take notes, ask questions you might forget, and be a source of support. 

Understanding your cancer’s stage and location is important for developing a treatment plan. For some patients, surgery may be the first step to remove the cancer, while others may receive chemotherapy or radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor. For advanced or metastatic CRC (meaning cancer that has spread to another organ or to bones), immunotherapy or targeted therapies may also be considered, depending on the cancer’s molecular profile.

That’s why biomarker testing is important. Tests that look for specific genetic changes in your tumor can help your doctor tailor treatment to your specific cancer. These tests may open the door to targeted therapies that work better for your tumor type or give you access to clinical trials of promising new treatments.

It’s also essential to ask about supportive care resources. A new diagnosis can bring up challenges beyond medical treatment. Nutritionists can provide guidance on eating well during and after treatment, especially if surgery affects digestion. Palliative care teams can help with pain, fatigue, or other symptoms at any stage of cancer. Social workers and patient navigators may be available to assist with financial questions, transportation, or connecting you to local support groups. Emotional well-being is just as important, and counseling or support services can provide comfort for both you and your loved ones.

Asking questions is a powerful way to stay informed and engaged in your care. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make decisions that align with your health needs and personal values throughout your CRC care.

You’re not alone. Join the Outcomes4Me Community for a safe space to share your story and connect with others who share your diagnosis.