Questions to ask: Breast cancer

Diagnosis

• What type of breast cancer do I have?
• Is my cancer hormone receptor positive? Is it HER2 positive, HER2-low, or triple-negative?
• What is the stage and grade of my cancer?
• Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other parts of my body?
• Do I need more scans before treatment starts?
• Should I have genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, or other genes?
• Would a genomic test like Oncotype DX or MammaPrint help decide on chemotherapy?
• If I have DCIS, what is my risk of invasive cancer, and what are my choices?
• What does my diagnosis mean for my children, sisters, or other family members?
• Can I get a second opinion, and how do I do that?

Before

• What is the goal of my treatment?
• Will I have surgery first, or medicine first to shrink the tumor?
• Am I a good candidate for lumpectomy, or do I need a mastectomy?
• Will lymph nodes be removed? What is my risk of arm swelling?
• Will I need radiation, and for how long?
• Will I need chemotherapy, hormone therapy, HER2 therapy, or immunotherapy?
• How will treatment affect my fertility? Should I see a fertility specialist first?
• If I want breast reconstruction, when is the best time to do it?
• Is there a clinical trial that fits my situation?
• How much will treatment cost, and who can help with insurance?
• How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Which side effects should I report right away, and who do I call after hours?
• What can I do to prevent nausea, mouth sores, or diarrhea?
• Is my heart being checked during HER2 treatment?
• Can I keep working, exercising, or traveling during treatment?
• Are any of my other medicines, vitamins, or supplements unsafe with my treatment?
• What should I eat, and should I avoid anything?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of my pills?
• If my tumor did not fully go away before surgery, what extra treatment do I need?
• Can I see a social worker, dietitian, or counselor?
• Where can my family or caregiver find support?

After

• How often will I have checkups and mammograms?
• What signs of the cancer coming back should I watch for?
• How long should I take hormone therapy, and what if the side effects are hard?
• How can I protect my bones and heart after treatment?
• What can I do to lower my chance of the cancer returning?
• Is it safe to get pregnant, and when?
• How can I manage hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or sexual changes?
• Should my relatives get genetic counseling or earlier screening?
• Who will lead my follow-up care, my oncologist or my primary care doctor?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.