Questions Newly Diagnosed Patients Should Ask

A new breast cancer diagnosis can feel like information overload, so having a solid set of questions helps you regain control and make decisions with your care team. Here are strong, practical questions to bring to your first oncology appointments.

Understanding your diagnosis

  • What type of breast cancer do I have? (ductal, lobular, inflammatory, etc.)

  • Is it invasive or non-invasive?

  • What is the stage and what does that mean in plain language?

  • What is the tumor grade (how aggressive does it look)?

  • Is it hormone receptor positive (ER/PR)? Is it HER2 positive or negative?

  • Do I have any genetic mutations (like BRCA1/BRCA2), or should I be tested?

Understanding spread and urgency

  • Has it spread to lymph nodes or anywhere else?

  • What imaging or tests still need to be done to confirm staging?

  • How fast is this type of cancer typically expected to grow?

Treatment options

  • What are all my treatment options (surgery, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy)?

  • What order will treatment likely happen in, and why?

  • Am I a candidate for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), or is mastectomy recommended?

  • Will I need chemotherapy before or after surgery?

  • Are there clinical trials I qualify for? (especially important for aggressive types of breast cancer)

Goals and outcomes

  • What is the goal of treatment—curative or long-term control?

  • What are my chances of recurrence with each treatment plan?

  • How will we know if treatment is working?

Side effects and daily life

  • What side effects should I expect from each treatment?

  • Which side effects are urgent vs expected?

  • How might treatment affect fertility, menopause, or hormones?

  • Will I be able to work or care for my family during treatment?

  • What support is available for fatigue, nausea, pain, or mental health?

Logistics and support

  • How quickly do I need to start treatment?

  • Who is my main point of contact for questions between visits?

  • Can I get a written treatment plan or timeline?

  • What costs should I expect, and is there financial assistance?

  • Are there nurse navigators, social workers, or support groups available?

Second opinions and care team

  • Should I get a second opinion, and can you help coordinate that?

  • Should I be seen at a specialized breast cancer center or academic hospital?

  • Who exactly is on my care team (surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist)?

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