20 Questions To Ask Your Oncologist: A Caregiver’s Guide

When your loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. One of the most powerful tools you have in this journey is asking the right questions. Whether you’re dealing with breast cancer, lung cancer, or another form of cancer, such as neck cancer, these questions will help you get the information you need to support your loved one in making informed decisions.

Here are 20 essential questions to ask your loved one’s oncologist, organized to guide your conversations through diagnosis, treatment planning, and managing side effects.

Are you looking for more resources to help you through the cancer caregiving journey? Check to see if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library, support groups, and caregiver forum. 

20 Questions To Ask Your Oncologist

After A Cancer Diagnosis

Understanding their diagnosis is the first step. In fact, researchers recommend caregivers get involved in discussions early in the diagnosis for optimal support. These questions will help clarify what the cancer is and what it means for your loved one’s care:

1. What does the diagnosis and stage mean? 
   Ask your oncologist to explain the type of cancer cells found and what the stage indicates about how far the cancer has progressed.
2. Where is the cancer now, and has it spread?
   This will help you understand whether the disease is localized or requires broader cancer treatment strategies.
3. Do we need any other specialists?
   Depending on your situation, your care may involve a surgical oncologist, radiation specialist, or other experts.
4. What follow-up appointments do we need?
   Clarify the timeline for cancer care monitoring, scans, or additional evaluations or consultations.
5. Are there support groups available (for both patients and caregivers)?
   Emotional support is just as vital as clinical care. Ask about groups specific to your loved one’s cancer type, like breast cancer or lung cancer.

Questions About Treatment Options

Every patient’s cancer journey is unique. Asking detailed questions helps personalize your loved one’s care plan.

6. What are the treatment options?
   Your oncologist should outline all possibilities, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and any available clinical trials.
7. What treatments are you recommending and why?
   Understanding the rationale helps you and your loved one trust the treatment plan.
8. What are the side effects of these treatments, and how can we manage them?
   Proactive planning can ease the burden of side effects.
9. When will treatment begin, and how long will it last?
   Timelines help you both prepare physically, emotionally, and logistically.
10. Can you explain lab values and how they affect their treatment and activity level?Monitoring labs is key for safe and effective cancer treatment.
11. Are there dietary or lifestyle changes we should consider?
    Some changes may improve treatment outcomes or mitigate side effects.
12. Are there financial support resources available that you can direct us to?
    Cancer care can be costly. Ask about assistance for medications, transportation, or treatments.

Managing Treatment Side Effects

Knowing what to expect and how to respond to complications or side effects is key.

13. What should we watch for as signs of complications?
    Early detection of issues can prevent hospitalizations or treatment delays.
14. How can we manage symptoms and stay comfortable?
    This may include pain management, counseling, or palliative care services.
15. Are there medications or strategies to help with nausea and vomiting?
    Ask your healthcare team about anti-nausea medications (also called antiemetics) and lifestyle tips.
16. What can help with possible skin problems during treatment?
    Ask if your provider recommends prescription moisturizers or creams.
17. Can changing treatment times help with flu-like side effects?
    Some patients find that receiving treatment at bedtime helps them sleep through side effects.
18. What should we do if diarrhea occurs?
    Ask about medications and special diets. They can refer you to a dietitian who can suggest what foods to eat and which to avoid.
19. How much physical activity is safe when dealing with fatigue?
    Ask your oncologist about appropriate exercise levels. In fact, best practices state that oncologists should be assessing physical activity regularly for cancer patients. 
20. How can we protect their immune system during treatment? 
    Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system. Ask about precautions such as avoiding crowds, getting vaccinated, or making dietary adjustments.

The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in navigating cancer information, advocating for your loved one, talking with them about cancer, and helping them make informed decisions about treatment options. Every question you ask brings clarity and power.

Whether they’re undergoing radiation therapy, considering a clinical trial, or managing a new cancer diagnosis, these 20 questions are a great place to start. Your oncologist and cancer care team are there to help you understand every step of the journey.

Don’t forget to check to see if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library, support groups, and caregiver forum to help you in your cancer care journey. 

References

1. Brandes, K., Linn, A. J., Butow, P. N., & van Weert, J. C. (2015). The characteristics and effectiveness of question prompt list interventions in oncology: a systematic review of the literature. Psycho‐Oncology, 24(3), 245-252.
2. Schmitz, K. H., Campbell, A. M., Stuiver, M. M., Pinto, B. M., Schwartz, A. L., Morris, G. S., … & Matthews, C. E. (2019). Exercise is medicine in oncology: engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 69(6), 468-484.
3. Laidsaar-Powell, R., Butow, P., Bu, S., Charles, C., Gafni, A., Fisher, A., & Juraskova, I. (2016). Family involvement in cancer treatment decision-making: A qualitative study of patient, family, and clinician attitudes and experiences. Patient education and counseling, 99(7), 1146-1155.