What questions should I ask my doctor about lung cancer

Important Questions to Ask Your Lung Cancer Doctor

Here are key questions organized by topic to help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect:

About Your Diagnosis

1. What type of lung cancer do I have? (Is it non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC] or small cell lung cancer? What specific subtype—adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or large cell carcinoma?)

2. What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment? (According to NCCN Guidelines, understanding whether your cancer is early-stage, locally advanced, or metastatic [spread to other areas] is crucial for determining your treatment plan.)

3. Has my tumor been tested for specific genetic mutations or biomarkers? (These tests help doctors identify whether targeted therapies might work better for your specific cancer.)

4. Where exactly is the tumor located, and has it spread to lymph nodes or other organs?

About Your Treatment Plan

1. What are my treatment options? (According to NCCN Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy—alone or in combination.)

2. Why do you recommend this specific treatment for me? (Understanding the reasoning helps you feel more confident in your care plan.)

3. If surgery is recommended, what type of surgery are you considering? (For example, removing part of the lung or the entire lung, and how this affects your breathing afterward.)

4. If chemotherapy is part of my treatment, what drugs will I receive and how often? (NCCN Guidelines note that chemotherapy for lung cancer often uses platinum-based drugs combined with another medication, given through an IV.)

5. If I'm receiving chemoradiation (chemotherapy and radiation together), how long will treatment last? (According to NCCN Guidelines, radiation is typically delivered in 30-35 small doses over 6-7 weeks.)

6. What happens after my main treatment ends? (Some patients receive additional immunotherapy like durvalumab or osimertinib after chemoradiation to improve chances of cure.)

About Side Effects & Managing Your Health

1. What side effects should I expect, and how can we manage them? (NCCN Guidelines emphasize that learning to manage side effects is important for your quality of life.)

2. Are there ways to prevent certain side effects before they start?

3. What symptoms should I report immediately, and how do I reach you if problems arise?

4. Will I need breathing tests or other lung function tests before or during treatment? (Tests like gas diffusion studies help doctors understand how your lungs are working.)

About Monitoring & Follow-Up

1. How will we know if the treatment is working? (Doctors use imaging tests like PET/CT scans to monitor your response.)

2. How often will I have follow-up appointments and imaging scans?

3. What should I watch for between appointments?

About Your Overall Care

1. Are there clinical trials I might be eligible for? (Clinical trials can offer access to newer treatments.)

2. Should I see any specialists in addition to my oncologist? (For example, a radiation oncologist if you're receiving radiation therapy.)

3. Are there support services available—like counseling, nutrition support, or support groups?

Tips for Your Appointment

• Write down your questions ahead of time so you don't forget them
• Bring a trusted family member or friend to take notes and help you remember information
• Ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand—don't hesitate to ask them to repeat or clarify
• Request copies of your test results and pathology reports to keep for your records
• Take notes or ask if you can record the conversation (with permission) so you can review it later

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.