Questions to Ask Your Doctor at a Cancer Appointment

Cancer appointments can involve a lot of new information, particularly when you have recently been diagnosed. Preparing questions can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and what happens next (1).

The questions to ask at a cancer appointment will depend on where you are in your cancer journey. This guide covers cancer questions to ask your doctor from diagnosis through to follow-up care.

Preparing beforehand can help you make the most of your appointment (1). You could:

• Write down your questions, putting the most important first.
• Bring a list of medicines and supplements you take.
• Take notes or ask whether you can record the conversation.
• Consider writing down your main concerns or life goals (for example, staying at work, preserving fertility or managing side effects).
• Bring someone you trust for support and to help remember what was discussed.
• Ask for an explanation if you do not understand something.

If you would like someone to come with you, our guide to telling friends and family may help.

Questions to ask at a first cancer appointment may cover your diagnosis, further tests, treatment options and what happens next (1, 2).

If you are wondering what questions to ask the oncologist on a first visit, start with what matters most to you. You do not need to ask everything at once.

Useful questions to ask at your cancer diagnosis include: (2)

• What type of cancer do I have?
• What stage is it?
• Has the cancer spread?
• What does this diagnosis mean for me?
• What is my prognosis?
• Could this cancer be hereditary?
• What biomarkers or genetic features does my cancer have, and how might they affect my treatment options?
• Should I or my relatives consider genetic testing?
• Will I meet other members of the multidisciplinary team (for example, the surgeon, oncologist, specialist nurse, and dietitian among others)?

These are also useful questions to ask when told you have cancer, although you may return to some at a later appointment.

Ask what your test results mean and whether you need further tests (2). You may also want to ask:

• When will I receive any remaining results?
• What happens next?
• When is my next appointment?
• Should I consider a second opinion?

Ask who is responsible for your care, who you should contact with questions and who to call if you have concerns between appointments.

Questions to ask about cancer treatment could include: (1)

• What are my treatment options?
• What is the aim of each treatment?
• What are the possible benefits and risks?
• What happens if I choose not to have treatment?
• Which treatment do you recommend for me, and why?
• When does treatment need to start?

Once treatment begins, you may want to ask:

• Where and how will I receive treatment?
• How long will treatment take?
• What side effects are most common with this treatment and how will they be managed?
• Who should I contact about side effects?
• How might treatment affect my nutrition, energy or daily activities?
• What can I do to maintain my strength and physical fitness during treatment?
• How will we know whether treatment is working?
• Is there anything I should do (or avoid) to prepare for or recover from treatment?

Questions to ask after cancer treatment may include:

• How often will I have follow-up appointments?
• Will I need further tests or scans?
• Are there long-term side effects I should know about?
• What symptoms or changes should I report straight away?
• Who should I contact with concerns?
• What can I do to support my recovery?
• Will I have access to rehabilitation, physiotherapy or lymphedema support, if needed?

If a clinical trial may be an option, ask why it is being offered, what taking part involves and about possible benefits and risks. You should also understand your options if you decide not to take part or decide to leave later. (3)

Useful questions include:

• Are there clinical trials suitable for my cancer?
• What is the trial trying to find out?
• What are the possible benefits and risks?
• Will I need extra appointments or tests?
• What side effects could occur?
• What treatment might I receive?
• Can I leave the trial if I change my mind and what happens to my care thereafter? (3)

Questions to ask at your cancer appointment can also cover emotional wellbeing, finances, work and family life.

You could ask:

• Is there an oncology dietitian I can see?
• Are there resources to help with eating difficulties or maintaining strength during treatment?

Macmillan Cancer Support also has practical information on eating problems that can occur during cancer and its treatment, including ways to manage changes in appetite and difficulties eating. It also explains when you may benefit from additional nutritional support.

You could ask:

• Who can I talk to if I am struggling emotionally?
• Are counselling or psychological services available?
• Are there cancer support groups?
• Is support available for my family or partner?

Find out more in emotional support for cancer patients.

Cancer and treatment can sometimes affect your finances. Ask whether someone can advise you about financial support including:

• Am I entitled to any benefits or financial help?
• Is help available with travel costs for treatment?
• Who can advise me if I need to reduce or stop work?

If treatment may affect work or caring responsibilities, you could ask:

• Will I be able to work during treatment?
• Might I need to reduce my hours or take time off?
• What support is available if I care for children or family members?
• Who can advise me about practical support?

The most useful questions to ask at your cancer appointment are those that help you understand your diagnosis, treatment choices and next steps. Write down what matters most and ask for information to be explained again if needed.

You do not need to ask everything in one appointment. Keep a list of new questions and use future appointments to continue the conversation.