Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Breast Cancer

From the time you are diagnosed with breast cancer until after treatment ends, it is important to maintain open communication with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team. Address any concerns and ask any questions you may have.

Use the following questions as a guide when considering what questions you would like to ask your doctor or other members of your healthcare team.

• What type of breast cancer do I have?
• Has my breast cancer spread?
• What stage is my breast cancer in?
• What are my survival chances?
• What are my breast cancer treatment options?
• Which breast cancer treatment options do you recommend? Why?
• Are there risks or side effects involved with these breast cancer treatments?
• How long will each treatment last?
• Will my breast cancer treatment make me miss work?
• Can I drive myself to and from my treatments?
• How should I prepare for my breast cancer treatment?
• Do I need to be on a special meal plan?
• If I have surgery, will I be able to have breast reconstruction surgery?
• Are there alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery?
• What is my risk of the breast cancer reoccurring?
• Will my breast cancer treatment cause me to go through menopause?
• What are the positives and negatives of hormone replacement therapy?
• Can I have children after my treatment ends?
• Is there somebody I can talk to for support after I finish my breast cancer treatment?
• Do I need to make follow-up appointments with you after my treatment ends?
• Do I need surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or best supportive care?