What questions should I ask my oncologist about Lung Cancer
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.
Important Questions to Ask Your Lung Cancer Oncologist
I'm glad you're thinking about how to prepare for your conversations with your care team. Asking the right questions helps you understand your situation better and participate in decisions about your treatment. Here are the key questions organized by topic:
About Your Diagnosis & Staging
- What type of lung cancer do I have? (Is it non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer?)
- What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?
- What biomarker or genetic tests have been done on my tumor? (These tests look for specific mutations like EGFR, ALK, or PD-L1 that can guide treatment choices)
- Do I need any additional tests to complete my staging?
About Treatment Options
According to the NCCN Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, these are essential questions:
- What are my treatment options?
- What will happen if I do nothing?
- Are you suggesting options other than what NCCN recommends? If yes, why?
- How do my age, overall health, and other factors affect my options?
- Does any option offer a cure or long-term cancer control?
- What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?
About What to Expect During Treatment
- Do I have a choice of when to begin treatment?
- How often will I need to come to the cancer clinic? How long will treatment last?
- Will my care require any special arrangements like housing or a certain diet?
- What may prevent me from getting the care I need?
- How can I know if what I'm feeling is normal or if I need help?
- Who should I contact with questions or concerns if the office is closed?
- How will you know if treatment is working?
- What are the chances of the cancer worsening or returning?
- What follow-up care is needed after treatment?
About Side Effects & Managing Them
- What side effects should I expect, and how will they be managed?
- Are there ways to prevent some side effects?
- What symptoms should I report immediately?
- Are there support services (social workers, nutritionists, counselors) available to help me?
About Clinical Trials
The NCCN Guidelines emphasize that clinical trials can be an important option. Consider asking:
- Do you recommend that I consider a clinical trial for treatment?
- How do I find clinical trials that I can participate in?
- What are the treatments used in the clinical trial?
- What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?
- How long will I be in the clinical trial?
- Will I be able to get other treatment if this doesn't work?
- How will you know if the treatment is working?
- Will the clinical trial cost me anything?
About Getting a Second Opinion
- How do I get a second opinion?
- How long do I have to decide about treatment?
- Is there a social worker or someone who can help me decide?
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 help you listen and take notes
- Ask your doctor to explain things in plain language if medical terms are confusing
- Request written materials about your diagnosis and treatment plan
- Ask about resources like support groups, financial assistance, or counseling services
Additional Resources
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide detailed, patient-friendly information about lung cancer treatment. You can access these free resources at NCCN.org/patientguidelines or through the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer app. These guides explain treatment options, what to expect, and important questions in clear language.
The American Cancer Society also offers comprehensive information about lung cancer at cancer.org.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
This is general information.
Upload your records for guidance specific to YOUR diagnosis — personalized to your biomarkers, stage, and treatment history.
Source Guidelines
NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (2026)Browse all NCCN Guidelines for Patients →Get guidance specific to your case
This answer covers general information. For guidance based on YOUR records, biomarkers, and treatment history:
Related Questions
What are the latest chemotherapy treatments for lung cancer in 2026
I appreciate your question about current treatment options. Let me explain what the latest evidence shows about chemotherapy for lung cancer, based on
What specific chemotherapy drugs are used for lung cancer and how do they work
I'm glad you're learning about treatment options. Let me explain the chemotherapy drugs commonly used for lung cancer and their mechanisms of action.
What are the common chemotherapy drugs and treatments for lung cancer
I'm glad you're learning about lung cancer treatment options. Let me explain the chemotherapy drugs and approaches that are commonly used, based on cu