Be open and upfront with medical providers, including your past medical history and any alternative medicine you use, to protect against harmful side effects.

Ask if you don’t understand a medical term.

Make sure your medical records are available to your oncologist.

If you conduct any research on your own, go over it either with your provider or navigator to ensure its validity and relevance.

Get a second opinion if you want to validate the treatment plan or ensure your provider has the technology you need.

Make sure you have full knowledge of what your insurance plan provides either through the company or your patient navigator.

Call the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 hotline at 800-227-2345 for questions that come up outside of office hours.