Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor When Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming, leaving you with a flood of emotions and countless questions. While every case is unique, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible to make informed decisions about your treatment and care. Here’s a list of important questions to ask your doctor to help navigate your breast cancer diagnosis with clarity and confidence.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
- What type of breast cancer do I have?
- (Invasive? Ductal? Lobular? Triple-negative? HER2-positive?)
- What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean?
- (Size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, metastasis?)
- What is my cancer’s grade?
- (How aggressive is it?)
- What are my hormone receptor statuses?
- (Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status?)
- Does my cancer have any genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2?
- (Do I need genetic testing?)
- What are the chances my cancer has spread beyond the breast?
- (Do I need additional imaging or scans?)
Treatment Options & Plan
- What are my treatment options?
- (Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, hormone therapy?)
- What is the goal of treatment for my specific case?
- (Curative? Preventing recurrence? Palliative?)
- What order will treatments be done in?
- (Surgery first? Chemo before or after surgery?)
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
- What side effects should I expect with treatment?
- (Short-term vs. long-term effects?)
- Will treatment affect my fertility?
- (Are there options to preserve fertility before treatment starts?)
- How will treatment impact my daily life?
- (Work, exercise, diet, mental health?)
- Will I need reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy? What are my options?
- (Immediate vs. delayed reconstruction? Implants vs. autologous tissue?)
- Will I need a port for chemotherapy?
- Are there clinical trials available for my type of breast cancer?
Understanding the Prognosis
- What are the chances of recurrence?
- Are there lifestyle changes I can make to reduce the risk of recurrence?
- (Diet, exercise, stress management?)
- How will we monitor for recurrence after treatment?
- What are the long-term effects of treatment on my overall health?
- (Heart health, bone density, cognitive function?)
Support & Resources
- Do you have recommendations for support groups or mental health resources?
- Are there financial assistance programs to help with the cost of treatment?
- Who should I contact if I have concerns or side effects between appointments?
- Can I get a second opinion?
- What advice do you have for my family and caregivers?
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but knowledge is power. Taking the time to ask these questions can help you feel more in control and better equipped to face the journey ahead. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, take notes, and bring a loved one with you to appointments for support. You are not alone, and there is hope in every step forward.
Are there any questions you found particularly helpful in your own breast cancer journey? Share them in the comments to help others! 
