How do I advocate for myself with my oncologist about precision medicine
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For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Grounded in NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Colon Cancer — the same guidelines oncologists use.
- Developed under the medical oversight of OpenCancer’s physician-scientist team (Chris Apfel, MD/PhD/MBA, CMO · Kaumudi Bhawe, PhD, CSO).
- Last updated July 13, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
How to Advocate for Yourself About Precision Medicine
Key Questions to Ask Your Oncologist
According to CancerPatientLab's guidance on self-advocacy in precision medicine, here are the specific questions that help you engage in shared decision-making:
About Your Disease:
- "What's driving my tumor growth?" (This reflects whether your doctor understands your tumor's molecular profile)
- "What are the consequences of this diagnosis for my family members?" (Important for understanding if genetic testing is relevant)
About Testing:
- "What additional tests should I get to identify new treatment options and personalize my care?"
- "Can I get a comprehensive genomic profile?"
- "Is a liquid biopsy an option for me?"
- "Why is biomarker testing needed?"
- "How will the test be done, what does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?"
- "Can I get a copy of my test report?"
- "How frequently should I get tests?"
About Treatment Options:
- "Are there alternative treatment options besides the standard treatment?"
- "Can I get a second opinion on my diagnosis and treatment plan?"
- "Under what circumstances will you change treatment if current options aren't effective?"
- "Are there clinical trials available for me, and how will you find them?"
What Precision Medicine Means
Precision medicine uses genetic and molecular test results about YOUR specific cancer to guide treatment decisions toward targeted therapies or clinical trials that may be more effective for your unique tumor profile.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
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Related Questions
Use the above evidence to inform your response when relevant. how do they determine results from chemoradiation to...
Good question. Here's what typically happens: The Assessment Process 9/3 labs + 9/8-9 visits Labs on 9/3: - Blood work to check your recovery blood
What questions should I ask my oncologist
I'd be happy to help you prepare for your appointment. To give you the most relevant questions, it would help to know: What's your current situation?