New Diagnosis: Questions to Ask

These questions are meant to help you prepare for visits with your cancer care team. Think of them as a starting point to help you build your own personal list, whether you are preparing for your first visit or are further along in your treatment. You don't need to ask everything at once, and it is completely normal if you aren't ready to hear all the answers at your first visit.

To help ease the overwhelm, get a notebook or use your phone's notes app to write your questions down before your visit. Consider bringing a supportive family member or friend with you to your appointments and share your questions with them so they can help prompt you, take notes, and offer support. Visits can be packed with information, so having a second set of eyes and ears is helpful. You can also ask your provider to write down important notes for you, or ask for permission to record your visit so you can listen to it at a later time.

Questions to Ask When Making an Appointment

• Is this doctor board-certified and licensed in this area (medical, radiation, or surgical oncology)?
• Are they a member of any professional societies?
• Do you have a multidisciplinary clinic for my type of cancer (this is a clinic where you would see several doctors/providers in one visit)?

Questions About the Disease and Treatment

• What type of cancer do I have? 
  • Ask for specifics - for example what type of non-hodgkin lymphoma or lung cancer do I have?
• What stage is my cancer?
• How many patients have you treated with my type of cancer?
• What treatments are considered the gold standard for my cancer?
• Do I have other treatment options?
• Does this facility have access to all of these treatments?
  • If not, where could I get these treatments?
• Are there other possible treatments that are not available at this facility?
• What are the pros, cons, and side effects of these treatment options?
  • What are the expected survival rates with these treatments?
• Are these treatments covered by my insurance plan?
  • Are you in-network with my insurance company?
  • Can you provide me with an estimate of my out of pocket expenses associated with these treatments?
• If I get this treatment now, will it keep me from getting other treatments later?
• Are there clinical trials available for my cancer at this facility?
  • If not, where can I learn about clinical trials?
• Are there any more tests that need to be done before starting treatment?
• What tests will show if the treatment is working?
• How often will these tests be done during and after treatment?
• Will you change my treatment if it does not appear to be working?
• How long will the treatment last?
• How often will I see you during and after treatment?
• What are the side effects associated with these treatments?
• What signs or symptoms should I bring to your attention to help you observe my treatment and evaluate my response to treatment?
• How quickly do we need to make a decision and start treatment?

Questions about Prognosis and Survival

• Do you expect a cure from these treatments?
• If not, what is the goal of therapy?
• What percentage of patients with my type of cancer live five years or more?
• Is palliative care available to help manage my symptoms?

Questions about the Team

• Who are the other members of the team I will work with and how do I get in touch with them (Example: radiation therapy, surgical and medical oncology, dietitian, navigator, chaplain, social work, and nursing)?
• Is there a dedicated Nurse Navigator or Care Coordinator who will be my main point of contact?
• Do I have access to a dietitian at this facility?
• Do I have access to a social worker at this facility?
• Are there any support groups available at this facility?
• What other services are available to help me and my family deal with the disease?
• Do you have mental health professionals, counselors, or therapists on staff who specialize in supporting cancer patients and their families?
• Is there someone at this facility who can estimate my costs for care and help me navigate financial resources?

Once a Treatment Plan is Decided

• What are the expected side effects?
• What problems should I report to you? (fever, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, etc.)
• What is the best way to ask non-urgent questions between appointments (e.g., an online patient portal, email, or calling a triage nurse)?
• How do I reach someone for problems in the evening or on the weekends?
• What can I do to prevent or control these side effects?
• Can I drive myself to and from the treatment?
• Do I need to take any special precautions at home (in regards to children, pets)?
• Will I be able to continue my normal activities/can I go to work?
• Will this therapy affect my sex life or my ability to have children?
• Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
• Are there any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements I need to stop taking during treatment?
• Do you have any written educational materials about my treatment?
• Can you recommend any websites with information about my treatment?
• Are there any complementary therapies (like acupuncture, yoga, or oncology massage) that are safe to combine with my treatment, or any I should avoid?