Questions to Ask Your Oncology Team Before Treatment Starts

The first few appointments after a cancer diagnosis go by fast, and it's easy to leave without asking the things that actually matter to your day-to-day life. This isn't medical advice — it's a starting checklist, built from the questions we wish we'd asked sooner. Print it, screenshot it, or just bring your phone to your next appointment.

About the diagnosis

• What is the exact type and stage, and what does that mean in practical terms?
• What tests or scans led to this diagnosis, and are there others still pending?
• Would a second opinion change the treatment plan, and can you help me get one?
• Is this cancer being treated at a general hospital or would a specialized cancer center change the options available to me?

About the treatment plan

• What is the goal of this treatment — is it intended to cure, control, or manage symptoms?
• How long will treatment last, and what does the full schedule look like?
• What are the alternatives to what you're recommending, and why is this the preferred option?
• Am I eligible for any clinical trials, and what would that mean for my care?

About side effects and daily life

• What side effects should I expect, and which ones mean I need to call you immediately?
• Will I be able to work, drive, or care for my family during treatment?
• What can I do in advance to prepare my body and my home for treatment and recovery?
• Who do I call after hours if something feels wrong?

About the money

• What will this specific treatment or drug cost, and is it fully covered by my insurance?
• Is there a financial counselor or social worker on staff I can meet with directly?
• Are there copay assistance programs specific to my diagnosis that your office can help me apply to?
• Is there a lower-cost equivalent treatment that would be just as effective?

For a longer breakdown of where financial help actually comes from, see our post on the real cost of cancer treatment.

About support beyond medicine

• Is there a social worker or patient navigator assigned to my case?
• Should I be talking to someone about nutrition during treatment?
• Is palliative or supportive care available to help manage symptoms, separate from hospice care?
• Are there support groups, for me or for my family, that you'd recommend?

One last piece of advice

You will not remember all of this in the moment, and that's normal. Write the questions down beforehand, bring someone with you if you can, and don't feel rushed to leave the room until you actually understand the answer. A good oncology team wants you asking these questions — it's part of how they do their job well.