Questions to ask after a breast cancer diagnosis

The short version

  • It’s normal to forget questions in appointments. Writing them down and taking someone with you helps.
  • Below are questions about your diagnosis, treatment, getting ready (prehab), side effects and support.
  • You don’t need to ask them all at once. Pick the ones that matter most to you now.
A notepad with a list of questions and a pen.

Before your appointment

  • Write your questions down and put the most important ones first.
  • Take someone with you if you can, to listen and take notes.
  • Ask if you can record the conversation on your phone.
  • Ask for written information about anything you’re told.
  • It’s fine to say: “Can you explain that again?” or “What does that word mean?”

About your diagnosis

  1. What type of breast cancer do I have?
  2. What stage and grade is it, and what does that mean?
  3. Is it hormone receptor positive (ER or PR) or HER2 positive? What does that mean for treatment?
  4. Has it spread to the lymph nodes?
  5. Do I need any more tests?

About your treatment

  1. What treatment do you recommend, and why?
  2. Are there other options?
  3. What are the aims and benefits of this treatment?
  4. What are the possible side effects, short term and long term?
  5. When will treatment start, and how long will it take?
  6. Are there any clinical trials I could join?

Getting ready for treatment

  1. Is there a prehabilitation programme I can join before my treatment? Can I do it from home?
  2. Is it safe for me to be more active? Is there anything I should avoid?
  3. Can you show me the arm and shoulder exercises for after surgery, so I can practise them now?
  4. Could I see a physiotherapist or a dietitian?
  5. Should I make any changes to what I eat?
  6. Can I have a Holistic Needs Assessment?1
  7. Is there support to help me stop smoking or cut down on alcohol?

Read more: how to ask for prehab on the NHS.

About side effects and safety

  1. Which side effects should I report straight away, and who do I call?
  2. Is there a 24-hour number I can call?
  3. What can I do to reduce side effects such as fatigue?
  4. Am I at risk of lymphoedema, and what signs should I look for?

About everyday life

  1. Will I be able to work during treatment?
  2. When will I be able to drive, lift things or exercise again?
  3. Will treatment affect my fertility? What are my options?
  4. Can I travel during treatment?

About support

  1. Who is my main contact, or key worker?
  2. Is there emotional or psychological support available?
  3. Are there local support groups, courses or activity programmes?
  4. Can I get help with money, benefits or work?
  5. What support is there after treatment ends?

After treatment

  1. What follow-up will I have?
  2. Is there a rehabilitation programme to help me recover my strength and energy?
  3. What symptoms should make me get in touch?

Print this list

Our printable appointment question card has the most important questions on one page, with space to write the answers.

Prefer a guided plan?

If you’re not offered prehab or rehab, a personalised digital programme can help you prepare for and recover from treatment from home. See how digital prehab works or compare UK programmes.

Related pages

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. Macmillan Cancer Support. What is a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA)? www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/holistic-needs-assessment-hna