Newly diagnosed
Questions to ask your oncologist at the first appointment
A practical list of questions cancer patients (and their caregivers) should ask at the first oncology appointment — with the reasoning behind each.
The first oncology appointment is information-dense and emotionally heavy. Knowing the questions in advance helps you hear the answers when they come.
Bring this list on paper or your phone. Ask any question that applies — you can always circle back to ones that got skipped.
About the diagnosis
- Exactly what kind of cancer is this? (Not “breast cancer” — “invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+/PR+/HER2-, grade 2, stage IIA.”)
- What stage is it, and how was staging determined?
- Have the biopsy slides been reviewed here, or only at the outside lab? Some centers insist on in-house pathology re-review; it matters.
- Were any molecular or genetic tests ordered? (BRCA, EGFR, KRAS, MSI/dMMR, HER2, PD-L1 — depends on cancer type.)
- Is there any uncertainty in the diagnosis? Would a second pathology opinion be useful?
About the recommended treatment
- What’s the plan you’re recommending, and why this plan over alternatives?
- What are the alternative options, including doing nothing or active surveillance?
- What’s the expected outcome with this treatment?
- What’s the expected outcome without treatment?
- How many patients like me have you treated this year?
About side effects
- What are the most common side effects, and how often do they happen?
- What are the serious side effects I should call immediately about?
- Will treatment affect fertility? (Critical to ask before starting if you want to preserve fertility.)
- Who do I call after hours if something goes wrong?
- Will I be able to work during treatment?
About clinical trials
- Is there a clinical trial I should consider?
- If yes, what’s the trial comparing, and what are the arms?
- If no trial here, is there one at another institution I should look into?
See our guide to finding a clinical trial and our clinical trial browser.
About second opinions
- Would you support my getting a second opinion before starting treatment?
- Is there a center you’d specifically recommend I get a second opinion from?
- Can you help transfer records?
Getting a second opinion is standard practice, not adversarial. A good oncologist supports it. See how to get a cancer second opinion.
About logistics
- How often will I need to come in, and for how long each visit?
- Will I need infusions? Where?
- Will I need imaging? How often?
- Who is the rest of my care team? (Nurse navigator, social worker, financial counselor, dietitian.)
- What’s the estimated total cost, and how do we work with my insurance?
Most cancer centers have a financial counselor who should review your plan’s coverage before you start. Ask to be connected.
About prognosis
Some patients want this information; others don’t. It’s okay to say, “I don’t want to talk about prognosis today.” If you do want to know:
- What’s the typical 5-year outcome for a cancer like mine, treated the way you’re recommending?
- What factors specific to me make my situation better or worse than average?
Statistics are population averages — they are not predictions about you personally. Ask your oncologist how much these numbers should weigh in your decisions.
What to take home
Ask for:
- A written copy of the treatment plan
- Copies of the pathology report and recent imaging
- Names and direct contact info for your nurse navigator or treatment coordinator
- A list of any prescribed medications
If the center has a patient portal, make sure you leave with login credentials.
Frequently asked
Should I bring someone with me to the first appointment?
Yes. Bring a family member or friend to take notes and help you remember details. Oncology appointments cover a lot of information quickly. Some centers also allow recording the conversation — ask first.
How long will the first appointment last?
Typically 45–90 minutes. New-patient oncology consultations are longer than follow-ups because the physician is reviewing your full record, conducting an exam, and explaining options.