If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to work with a team to create a treatment plan and coordinate your care throughout your entire treatment.
Below are some questions to ask your doctor about breast cancer:
Questions About Your Cancer Team
- What is your experience in treating people with breast cancer?
- Who else will be on my treatment team?
Questions About Diagnosis
- What other diagnostic tests will I need?
- What type of biopsy will be done?
- Are cancer cells present anywhere else in my body?
- What is the prognosis for relapse?
- Will I develop cancer in my other breast?
- Should I have genetic testing?
Questions About Your Treatment
- What are my treatment options?
- Do I need chemotherapy?
- Do I need treatment right away?
- Where will I get my care?
- What are the treatment side effects? Long-term? Short-term?
- Are there any complications from treatment?
- Will treatment for my cancer affect my ability to have children?
- If so, are there fertility preservation options?
- What are the expected outcomes from my treatment?
- Am I eligible for a clinical trial?
- Can I have reconstructive surgery?
- What support resources are available to me?
- Are there any complementary therapies I can do while receiving cancer treatment?
Questions About Second Opinions
You may have the option to get a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Our specialists at the Abramson Cancer Center welcome patients who have received an initial diagnosis elsewhere.
For a second opinion, call 800-789-7366 (PENN).
In addition to the questions above, here are some questions you may want to ask if you are getting a second opinion:
- What labs/test results will I need to get a second opinion?
- Can you help coordinate my care close to home?
- How will you work with my primary care physician and/or care team?