Brain Tumor Awareness Month: Talking to Your Doctor

May is recognized as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and St. Louis CyberKnife is participating in this effort by encouraging patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors to seek information and second opinions about treatment options and their care plan.

It’s important for you to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. Below are a few sample questions from the American Cancer Society to get the conversation started:

• Do I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of tumor?
• Should I get a second opinion? Can you recommend a doctor or cancer center?
• What are my treatment choices? What do you recommend? Why?
• What’s the goal of treatment (cure, prolonging life, relieving symptoms, etc.)?
• What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment? What disabilities might I develop?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn’t work or if the tumor comes back?

For a brain tumor consultation at St. Louis CyberKnife, contact us. You can also read more about CyberKnife® treatment for primary and metastatic brain tumors in our blog series.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.