What questions should I ask my oncologist about Breast Cancer

Important Questions to Ask Your Breast Cancer Oncologist

I'm glad you're thinking about what to ask your care team. According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Metastatic Breast Cancer, asking questions is a critical part of your care. Here are the key areas to explore with your oncologist:

1. UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIAGNOSIS & TEST RESULTS

Start with the basics:

• "What type of breast cancer do I have?" (Is it ductal, lobular, or another type?)
• "What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment?"
• "Can you explain my pathology report in plain language?"

About your biomarkers (the tests that guide treatment):

• "What are my hormone receptor results?" (Is my cancer ER-positive, PR-positive, or hormone receptor-negative?)
• "What is my HER2 status?" (This affects which targeted therapies might work)
• "Have I been tested for other mutations like PIK3CA, ESR1, NTRK, or RET?" (According to NCCN Guidelines, certain mutations can be targeted with specific therapies)
• "Should I have genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations?" (NCCN recommends this for all metastatic breast cancer patients unless already done recently)

2. TREATMENT OPTIONS & DECISION-MAKING

About your specific treatment plan:

• "Based on my test results, what treatment options are available to me?"
• "Why do you recommend [specific treatment] for my situation?"
• "What are the benefits and risks of each option?"
• "Are there clinical trials I might be eligible for?"

If hormone receptor-positive:

• "What endocrine (hormone) therapy options do I have?" (Examples include aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, or other medications)
• "Will I need chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy?"
• "How long will I be on this treatment?"

If HER2-positive:

• "What HER2-targeted therapies are options for me?"
• "How will we monitor if the treatment is working?"

3. SIDE EFFECTS & MANAGING THEM

• "What side effects should I expect from my treatment?"
• "Which side effects should I report immediately versus manage at home?"
• "Are there medications or strategies to help manage side effects?"
• "How will treatment affect my ability to work, exercise, or do daily activities?"

4. FERTILITY & FAMILY PLANNING

According to NCCN Guidelines, this is especially important:

• "Will my treatment affect my ability to have children?"
• "Should I consider fertility preservation before starting treatment?" (Options may include egg freezing or embryo banking)
• "If I want children in the future, what are my options?"

5. MONITORING & FOLLOW-UP

• "How will we know if the treatment is working?" (What tests will you use?)
• "How often will I have imaging scans or blood tests?"
• "What symptoms should I watch for between appointments?"
• "What should I do if I notice new symptoms?"

6. SUPPORT & RESOURCES

• "Are there support groups or counseling services available?"
• "Do you have a patient navigator or social worker I can talk to?"
• "What resources are available for managing treatment costs?"
• "Should I see any other specialists?" (Physical therapist, nutritionist, etc.)

7. ORGANIZING YOUR CARE

NCCN Guidelines emphasize keeping good records:

• "Can I get copies of all my test results and reports?"
• "Is there a patient portal where I can access my [ID removed]
• "Who should I contact if I have urgent concerns between appointments?"
• "How do I reach your team if I have questions?"

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

✓ Bring someone with you - A trusted friend or family member can help you listen and take notes

✓ Write down your questions ahead of time - Don't rely on remembering them in the moment

✓ Take notes during the visit - Or ask permission to record the conversation

✓ Ask for clarification - If something doesn't make sense, ask again. There are no "dumb" questions

✓ Request written summaries - Ask your team to provide written information about your diagnosis and treatment plan

✓ Keep organized files - Create a system for insurance forms, [ID removed] and test results (physical or digital)

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KEY TAKEAWAY

According to the NCCN Guidelines, your care team wants you to understand your diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines specifically state: "It is important you understand what these tests mean. Ask questions about your test results." Your oncologist expects and welcomes your questions—they're essential for shared decision-making about your care.

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