Questions to ask your oncologist: a printable, situation-based builder
Pick the situation that matches where you are, and build a list to bring to — or send — your treating doctor. These are prompts for that conversation, not answers in themselves.
Your question list
Just diagnosed
- • What exact type and subtype of cancer do I have, and what stage?
- • What test results is this diagnosis and stage based on, and are any results still pending?
- • What are all the treatment options for my specific case, not just the one being recommended first?
- • What happens if I take a few weeks to get a second opinion before deciding — does that change anything?
- • Who is coordinating my care, and how do I reach them with follow-up questions?
Before surgery
- • What exactly will be removed or altered, and why is that the recommended extent?
- • What are the specific risks and possible complications for this procedure, given my own health profile?
- • Is this the standard approach for my case, or are there less invasive alternatives to discuss?
- • What does recovery actually look like, and what limitations should I expect afterward?
- • What happens if something unexpected is found once the operation has started?
Before radiotherapy
- • How many sessions, over what total period, and why that specific schedule for my case?
- • What area is being targeted, and what healthy tissue nearby could be affected?
- • What side effects are expected during treatment, and which ones need immediate attention?
- • Could this affect my future treatment options if the cancer were to return?
- • What follow-up imaging or monitoring happens after treatment ends?
Considering treatment abroad
- • What information would a team reviewing my case from abroad need from me to do it properly?
- • How will you, my treating doctor, stay involved, and what will I bring back to you afterward?
- • What happens if the plan changes once a team abroad has reviewed my actual reports?
- • Who do I contact if something is unclear after I've already traveled?
After treatment
- • What follow-up schedule and tests should I expect, and for how long?
- • What symptoms would mean I should contact my care team right away, rather than wait for a scheduled visit?
- • What lasting effects of treatment should I watch for over time?
- • Is there anything about my daily life, work, or activity level that needs to change now?
- • Who is my point of contact for questions once active treatment ends?
Starting chemotherapy?
See the dedicated ten questions to ask before agreeing to chemotherapy instead — a deeper list specific to that decision.