4 Types of Questions to Ask About Cancer Treatment Options

A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of information your way at once. Your cancer care team may talk with you about tests, treatment choices, and what to expect in the months ahead. It can be hard to remember everything — let alone know which questions you should ask.

Going to your appointments with a list of questions can help you feel more prepared. You may also want to bring a trusted family member or friend and take notes. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask your care team to explain something again or use simpler words if you don't understand. Learning about the benefits, risks, and goals of your cancer treatment options can help you take an active role in decisions about your care.

Below are four types of questions about cancer treatment options to consider. You probably won't need to ask every question. Choose the ones that matter most to you and your situation.

1. Questions about treatment options

Cancer treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Your options depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, your age, and your overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery

• Radiation

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Hormone therapy

• Investigational treatments available through a clinical trial

• A combination of the above treatments

Cancer treatment guidelines help healthcare professionals choose treatments based on the best available research and expert recommendations. They consider factors such as the type and stage of cancer, test results, and other details that can affect which treatments are appropriate. But keep in mind that your care team may adjust treatment recommendations based on your health, preferences, and other factors.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) develops widely used, evidence-based cancer treatment guidelines for healthcare professionals. The NCCN Foundation also offers free treatment guidelines for patients, which explain many of these recommendations in easier-to-understand language. These guides can help you learn about your cancer, understand your treatment options, and prepare questions to discuss with your cancer care team.

Questions to ask about cancer treatment options include:

• What are my treatment options?

• What are the benefits and risks of each option?

• Does this hospital or cancer center offer the treatment that’s best for me?

• How much experience does my care team have treating my type of cancer?

• What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, control or slow its growth, or relieve symptoms?

• What will happen if I delay or choose not to have treatment?

• How does the treatment you recommend compare with current treatment guidelines for my cancer? If it’s different, why?

• How do my age, overall health, or other personal factors affect my treatment options?

• What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?

• Could treatment affect my ability to have children? If so, are there any options to preserve fertility?

• Is a clinical trial an option for me?

• Should I get a second opinion, and if so, how do I get one?

• How long do I have to decide about treatment?

• Is there a social worker, patient navigator, or someone else who can help me make this decision?

2. Questions about side effects

Cancer treatments can cause side effects. This is because they often affect healthy cells along with cancer cells. They can also change how your immune system and other parts of your body work. The side effects you experience depend on your cancer, the treatment you receive, and other individual factors.

Ask about both short- and long-term side effects before treatment starts. Your cancer care team can also tell you how to prevent side effects or manage them if they occur. Make sure you know which symptoms can wait until your next appointment and which ones require an immediate call or emergency care.

Questions to ask about cancer treatment side effects include:

• What are the possible side effects of my treatment?

• Can the cancer itself cause any symptoms that may mimic side effects?

• Which side effects are most common, and how long do they usually last?

• Which side effects can be serious or life-threatening?

• Are there any long-term or permanent side effects I should know about?

• What symptoms should I report right away, and whom do I contact?

• What can I do to prevent or manage side effects?

• Could any of my other medications, vitamins, or supplements interfere with treatment or make side effects worse?

• Will my treatment options change if I develop serious side effects?

3. Questions about affordability

It's OK to ask questions about how much cancer treatment will cost. In fact, talking about costs early on may help you understand what to expect and explore financial assistance options before bills start arriving. Your out-of-pocket costs can depend on whether you have insurance and if your healthcare team and treatment center are in your insurance network. Those costs can also depend on the treatment you receive and where you receive it.

Many cancer centers have financial counselors, social workers, or patient navigators who can help you understand your insurance coverage and expected costs. They can also help you look into assistance programs or discounts, such as those offered through GoodRx, if needed.

Questions to ask about cancer treatment costs include:

• How much is my treatment expected to cost?

• How much will I have to pay out of pocket?

• Does my insurance cover the treatment you're recommending?

• Is my treatment covered by my medical insurance or my pharmacy insurance benefit?

• Are there other treatment options that are more affordable or more likely to be covered by my insurance plan?

• Does my insurance require prior authorization or other approval steps before I can start treatment?

• Are my cancer care team and hospital, cancer center, or pharmacy in my insurance network?

• Will I need additional medications to prevent or manage side effects? What will they cost?

• Could my cancer treatment involve other costs, such as hospital stays, home healthcare, or physical therapy?

• Are payment plans available?

• Are there manufacturer savings programs, grants, or other forms of financial assistance I may qualify for?

• Do you offer a financial counselor, social worker, or patient navigator to help me understand treatment costs and find financial assistance?

4. Questions about what to expect during and after cancer treatment

Understanding what cancer treatment will look like can make it easier to plan for work, transportation, and other parts of daily life. Before starting, ask where you'll receive treatment, how often you'll need to go, and how long the overall treatment plan is expected to last.

It's also important to understand how your care team will tell whether the cancer treatment is working and what follow-up you'll need if and when treatment ends.

Questions to ask about what to expect during and after cancer treatment include:

• Where will I receive treatment?

• How often will I receive treatment, and how long will each appointment last?

• Do I have a choice of when to begin treatment?

• Will I be able to work, exercise, and do other usual activities during treatment?

• Will I need someone to drive me to and from treatment or help me at home?

• Whom should I contact with questions or concerns? What if the office is closed?

• How will you know if treatment is working?

• What happens if this treatment doesn’t work?

• What follow-up care and testing are needed after treatment?

• What are the chances that my cancer could get worse or return?

Keep asking questions as your treatment continues. Your needs and treatment plan can change over time, and your cancer care team can help you understand what comes next.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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