Original guide

Questions to ask your oncologist

A plain-language appointment guide for families preparing to discuss cancer options.

This guide is not a medical answer sheet. It is a way to make the appointment more specific.

Diagnosis and staging

• What exact cancer type and subtype are we treating?
• What stage is it, and what does that stage mean for the next decision?
• What information are we still waiting on?

Biomarkers and pathology

• Has mutation or genomic testing been done?
• Which genes or markers were tested?
• Could any result affect treatment categories or clinical trial searches?
• Should we get the pathology reviewed at a specialty center?

Options and sequencing

• What options are commonly considered at this point?
• What are the goals of each option?
• What would make you change course?
• Is there a reason to seek a second opinion before starting?

Clinical trials

• Are there trials we should search for now?
• Would starting treatment make us ineligible for any trial later?
• Who can help us contact a trial team?