How much do I want to know about my illness?
ACS Answer
You may want to know a lot of medical details about your illness. Some people feel more in control of what is happening to them when they know all of the facts. Decide if you will be comfortable knowing many details about your diagnosis and treatment. To make a well-informed decision, it's important to get answers to specific questions. If it would be helpful for you, let your doctor know.
Or you may want only the overview. It disturbs some people to be told too many details. They may want simple directions – what pill to take or what their treatment will be and when it will be done. They feel overwhelmed by medical details and would rather leave most decisions to the doctor. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor how much or how little information you want.
If you decide you want information, your health care team can tell you where to find out more about your type of cancer and its treatment. They can answer your questions, provide support, and refer you to community resources. Give yourself permission to take in information at your own pace. You decide when you are ready to talk, when you want to learn more about your cancer, and how much you want to learn.
Related Resources
Get more information on talking with your doctor.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
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