Many men with prostate cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices. However, shock and stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment. To help remember what the doctor says, men may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some men also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor--to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
The doctor may refer the man with prostate cancer to a specialist, or the patient may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat prostate cancer include urologists, urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
