Questions to Ask About Breast Cancer

This is the last page in the Understanding Breast Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 18, 2026. 

Before your appointments, it can help to write down questions you want to ask your care team. This way, you won't forget anything during your visit. Remember, there are no wrong questions. Your care team wants to make sure you understand your diagnosis and feel confident about your care.

Questions about your breast cancer diagnosis

• What type of breast cancer do I have, and where is it located?
• What stage is my breast cancer? What does that mean for my prognosis?
• Is my breast cancer hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-positive (HER2+), or triple-negative?
• Has my tumor been tested for genetic and molecular markers? What did the results show?
• Do I need a genomic test (such as Oncotype DX or MammaPrint)? How will it affect my treatment plan?
• Should I consider genetic counseling or testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, or other hereditary gene mutations?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Questions to ask about breast cancer treatment

• What are my treatment options? What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, control it, or relieve symptoms?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will treatment affect my daily life?
• Will I need surgery? If so, what type? Lumpectomy or mastectomy?
• Will I need chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy?
• How long will treatment last?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider?
• Questions about breast cancer surgery and reconstruction
• What type of surgery do I need?
• Am I a candidate for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)?
• How should I prepare for surgery?
• What will recovery look like, and how long will it take?

Questions to ask about follow-up care

• How will we know if treatment is working?
• What follow-up tests will I need after treatment ends, and how often?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call your office right away?
• What is the risk that my cancer will come back? What would we do if it did?
• What are the long-term side effects I should watch for?

Questions to ask about clinical trials

• Are there any clinical trials I might qualify for?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of the trial?
• Will my insurance cover the costs associated with participating in a trial?

Questions to ask about coping and support

• Are there support groups for breast cancer patients or survivors in my area or online?
• Can you refer me to an oncology social worker?
• Are there resources to help with the financial costs of treatment?
• How can my family members or caregivers get support?
• Are there palliative care or integrative medicine services available to me?
• I am concerned about fertility or early menopause. Can you refer me to a specialist?