Patient guide
Questions to ask your oncologist before considering treatment abroad
Your own oncologist knows your history. Involving them early protects your safety and makes follow-up at home much easier.
Why talk to your own team first
Considering treatment abroad does not mean leaving your Canadian team. The Canadian Cancer Society says second opinions are common and accepted, and you can ask for one at any point. Many oncologists respond well when a patient is open about it.
A treatment abroad should add to your care, not replace standard treatment you may still need. Never delay or stop a treatment without your doctor's advice.
Questions about your situation
- What are my standard treatment options in Canada, and how long would I wait?
- What is the goal of each option: cure, control or comfort?
- Is there a clinical trial in Canada or elsewhere that fits my case?
- Which tests do I still need, such as biomarker or genetic tests?
- Is it safe for me to travel and fly now, and for how long?
Questions about the treatment abroad
- Is this treatment used for my type and stage of cancer, and what is the evidence?
- Would it affect my eligibility for treatment at home later?
- What are the main risks and side effects?
- Would you speak with the foreign doctor, or review their report?
Bring a support person
A second pair of ears helps. Take a family member or friend, and ask to record the visit or take notes. Write down the answers, because it is easy to forget details when you are anxious.
Ask for a copy of the visit summary. If your oncologist cannot answer a question about a treatment they do not use, ask who can. That is a fair question and a common one.
Questions about follow-up and complications
- Who will manage side effects and emergencies once I return?
- Will you take over follow-up scans and bloodwork, and how often?
- Can you continue any medicine started abroad, or would it need special permission?
- Whom do I call if something goes wrong at night or on a weekend?
- What should the foreign team send you so you can continue my care?
Keeping your oncologist involved
Share the plan from the overseas team before you decide, and ask your oncologist to review it. Ask the Chinese team for a written summary at the end of treatment, with doses, dates, scans and a list of side effects to watch for.
The Government of Canada also advises seeing a Canadian provider after you return and telling any provider you see for at least 12 months that you had treatment abroad.
A simple checklist
Before
Book a visit with your oncologist and bring your questions. Ask for a written opinion.
Records
Collect pathology, imaging and bloodwork. See our records guide.
Plan
Agree who handles follow-up and complications at home.
During
Send updates to your Canadian team if you wish.
After
Book a post-treatment visit, and bring the discharge summary and imaging.
If your oncologist has serious concerns, take them seriously. Ask them to explain, and consider a second Canadian opinion. We coordinate care, and licensed doctors decide what is suitable for you.
Related pages
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society, Getting a second opinion · Government of Canada, Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care · CDC, Medical tourism
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Sino Health Link is an independent coordination service, not a hospital. We do not diagnose, prescribe or treat. Licensed doctors make all medical recommendations and decisions with you.