Questions to ask at your hospital appointment

You might like to take a list of questions to your hospital appointment, to help you understand your diagnosis. It may be useful to take a notepad and pen with you to the appointment, so you can write down the answers.

We have suggested some possible questions here:

Where is my bowel cancer?
What stage and grade is my bowel cancer? What does this mean?
What happens next?
What are my treatment choices?
Are there any clinical trials suitable for me?
Should I be referred for genetic testing?
Will I need extra help at home after treatment?
Will my treatment cause early menopause or affect my fertility?
Can you refer me to a fertility clinic?
Is there any emotional support available? Can I have counselling?
Where can I find support or information for my family or children?
Where can I get information and advice about work and money?
How often will I see my healthcare team?
Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Download or print our full list of questions to take to your hospital appointment here

After your appointment, your consultant will send a letter to your GP. You will also be given a phone number of your specialist nurse who you can call if you have any more questions.

Some people find it useful to take someone with them to their medical appointments to help them take notes and remind them what was discussed.

It might help to get in contact with other people who also have bowel cancer. Click here to visit our online communities.

Updated November 2025

Next review November 2028

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Questions to ask at your hospital appointment

You might like to take a list of questions to your hospital appointment, to help you understand your diagnosis. It may be useful to take a notepad and pen with you to the appointment, so you can write down the answers.

We have suggested some possible questions here:

Thanks supporter

Thanks supporter

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Questions to ask at your hospital appointment

You might like to take a list of questions to your hospital appointment, to help you understand your diagnosis. It may be useful to take a notepad and pen with you to the appointment, so you can write down the answers.

We have suggested some possible questions here:

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Thanks supporter

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You might like to take a list of questions to your hospital appointment, to help you understand your diagnosis. It may be useful to take a notepad and pen with you to the appointment, so you can write down the answers.