Questions to Ask About Pancreatic Cancer

Last updated and reviewed on June 24, 2026.

One of the most empowering things you can do throughout your pancreatic cancer journey is to come to your appointments with questions prepared in advance. Research consistently shows that patients who actively participate in their care, ask questions, and understand what is happening to them make decisions that better match their own values and feel more in control of a situation that can otherwise feel completely overwhelming. You should never feel like you are taking too much of your doctor's time or asking too many questions. Your questions matter, and a good care team wants to answer them.

Before each appointment:

1. Write down your questions as they come to you, even if it is 2 a.m.
2. Bring a trusted person with you to help take notes
3. Consider asking permission to record the appointment on your phone so you can listen to the answers again later.
4. Keep a notebook specifically for your cancer care, with questions, answers, and important information all in one place.

A note on second opinions: Getting a second opinion on your diagnosis, staging, and treatment plan from a major medical center with a dedicated pancreatic cancer program is strongly encouraged. Pancreatic cancer treatment decisions are complex, and outcomes are consistently better at high-volume centers. Most physicians welcome and support second opinions. Do not hesitate to seek one before committing to any major treatment.

Questions About Your Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

These questions are most useful right after diagnosis, when you are trying to understand exactly what you are dealing with before making any treatment decisions.

• What specific type of pancreatic cancer do I have? Is it pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, or something else?
• Where exactly is the tumor located in my pancreas?
• What is the stage of my cancer? Has it spread to lymph nodes or other organs?
• What molecular tests were done on my tumor? What were the results for KRAS, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, MSI/MMR status, and any other markers?
• Should I also have germline (inherited) genetic testing to see if I carry a hereditary gene mutation? Does my family need to know anything based on these results?
• Is my pathology report final, or are there additional tests still pending?
• Should I get a second opinion on my pathology or imaging at a pancreatic cancer specialty center?
• Has my case been reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including a pancreatic surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and gastroenterologist?
• What additional imaging or tests do I need before a final treatment plan can be made?

Questions to Ask About Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

These questions help you fully understand your treatment options and make choices that align with your goals.

• Is my tumor surgically removable? If yes, is it resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic?
• If surgery is an option, what type of surgery is recommended? What does recovery from that surgery look like?
• Should I receive chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to try to shrink the tumor first? What are the benefits of doing that versus going straight to surgery?
• If surgery is not an option, what are my systemic treatment options? Are FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel both options for me?
• Based on my molecular testing results, do I have any targeted therapy options, like olaparib, pembrolizumab, or a TRK inhibitor?
• What is the goal of the recommended treatment? Is it to cure the cancer, control it, or relieve symptoms?
• What are the most likely side effects of the treatment being recommended, and how will they be managed?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• What happens if the first treatment stops working? What options come next?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider before committing to standard treatment?
• Will I need to travel to a different medical center for the recommended treatment? Is there a center with more experience treating my type of pancreatic cancer that I should consider?
• Should I be taking pancreatic enzyme replacement capsules, and if so, how and when should I take them?

Questions to Ask About Follow-Up Care

These questions help you understand what monitoring and support will look like after your active treatment phase.

• What does my follow-up schedule look like after surgery or after completing chemotherapy?
• How often will I need imaging, and what are we looking for?
• What blood tests will be monitored, and how often?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call your office between scheduled appointments?
• How will we manage the long-term effects of surgery, such as changes in blood sugar, difficulty absorbing food, or digestive changes?
• Will I need to take enzyme replacement capsules permanently? How do I know if my dose is right?
• Is there a risk that the cancer will come back? What is the surveillance plan for detecting recurrence?
• What late effects of treatment should I watch for over time?
• Can I get a written survivorship care plan that summarizes my diagnosis and treatment and outlines the plan for follow-up?
• Are there survivorship programs or resources at this center that I should know about?

Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials

These questions help you evaluate whether a clinical trial might be right for you and what to expect if you participate.

• Are there any clinical trials available that match my specific tumor type, stage, and molecular profile?
• Is now a good time to look at trials, or is that something to consider after first-line treatment?
• What phase is the trial in, and what is the goal of this particular study?
• What treatment would I receive if I join? Is there any chance I would be placed in a control group receiving standard treatment instead of the experimental treatment?
• How does the experimental treatment compare to what I would receive outside the trial?
• What are the known and unknown risks of the experimental treatment?
• How many additional visits or tests would the trial require beyond my standard care?
• What costs does the trial sponsor cover, and what would I owe out of pocket?
• Can I continue seeing my regular oncologist while enrolled in the trial?
• What happens if I want to leave the trial for any reason?
• Are there trials at other institutions that I should consider applying to?

Questions to Ask About Coping and Support

These questions help you get the emotional, practical, and social support you need throughout your experience with pancreatic cancer. You can also refer to HealthTree's Guide on Coping with Pancreatic Cancer

• Are there oncology social workers, psychologists, or counselors available through this center who specialize in helping cancer patients?
• Can I be connected with a palliative care team now, even if I am still pursuing active treatment?
• Are there pancreatic cancer support groups, either in person or online, that you would recommend?
• What resources are available to help with the financial aspects of my care, like copay assistance programs, disability paperwork, or prescription assistance?
• How can my family and caregivers get support for themselves?
• Are there dietitians at this center who specialize in supporting pancreatic cancer patients?
• Is there a patient navigator or care coordinator who can help me manage appointments, referrals, and communication across my care team?
• If I am experiencing significant pain, what pain management options are available to me beyond standard medications? Should I discuss a celiac plexus nerve block with a pain specialist?
• What is the best way to reach your team quickly if I develop new symptoms or urgent concerns between appointments?
• Are there any resources for putting my end-of-life wishes in writing, like an advance directive or health care power of attorney, if I want to do that?

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. Talking With Your Doctor About Pancreatic Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html