Top Questions to Ask After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is overwhelming, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t even know where to start.
I asked key questions to my surgeon and oncologists. This helped me understand my diagnosis and take control of my treatment plan.

If you’re facing a diagnosis or know someone who is, I hope these questions help you feel more informed, prepared, and empowered. 💕

1. What Type of Breast Cancer Do I Have?

There are several types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Some tumors are hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative. Understanding the specific type of breast cancer you have is crucial for designing your treatment plan and predicting outcomes. My diagnosis was hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

2. What Stage Is My Breast Cancer?

The stage of breast cancer depends on tumor size and lymph node involvement. It also depends on whether cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. Imaging studies and sometimes surgery are needed to accurately determine the stage. Ask your physician if they will check whether the cancer has spread outside of the breast. This may involve a CT of the chest, abdomen, pelvis and/or a bone scan.
Your treatment plan and prognosis will be largely based on this information.

3. Should I Get Genetic Testing?

If you have a family history of breast cancer or are diagnosed at a younger age, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. With my family history, genetic testing was recommended prior to my surgery. Even though my sister and I shared the same type of breast cancer, no genetic mutation was found. Only about 5%–10% of breast cancers are hereditary, significantly less than I expected.

4. What Are My Treatment Options — and in What Order?

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapies.
Ask your oncologist and surgeon to explain:

Which treatments are recommended
In what order they’ll occur
Why that sequence is suggested

The order and the reason behind it helps you understand and prepare for what’s ahead.

5. What Is the Goal of My Treatment?

Clarify whether the primary goal is to cure, control, or relieve symptoms.
Understanding the overall goal helps to manage your expectations and guide your decisions.

6. What Are My Survival Statistics?

It’s a difficult but necessary question.
Knowing the absolute benefit (for both survival and recurrence) of each treatment allows you to balance side effects, risks, and quality of life. My oncologist used this calculator to illustrate the benefits of my treatment: https://breast.predict.cam/

As I write this post, I am struggling with side effects from my oral medication. But I balance these struggles with the knowledge of how this treatment is reducing my risk of recurrence.

7. How Will Treatment Affect My Daily Life?

Ask about:

Short-term and long-term side effects
Impact on work, family, and daily activities
Expected recovery time post surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
Appearance changes (hair loss, scars, body image)
Fertility and menopause issues

This knowledge will help you prepare emotionally and logistically.

8. What Follow-Up Care Will I Need After Treatment?

Breast cancer care continues well after treatment ends. Important follow-up care questions include:

How often will I need follow up? And with which practitioner; surgeon, oncologist or family physician?
What kind of imaging and frequency will I need to monitor for recurrence?
When will I be discharged from my oncology team? (If you don’t have a primary care physician to transition to, ask how your care will be managed.)

9. What Support Resources Are Available?

Healing isn’t just physical. Ask your care team about:

Counseling services
Support groups
Physical therapy (especially after surgery)
Financial assistance
Help with transportation

There may be support services at your Cancer Centre or a local Cancer Foundation/Association that can support you. In my experience, connecting with others who’ve been through breast cancer was an incredible resource and support.

10. Can I Get a Second Opinion?

Yes — and you should feel empowered to seek one.
Meeting with two surgeons gave me peace of mind and reinforced that I was making the best decisions for myself.

We don’t all have the privilege of seeking a second opinion. This is why asking questions and advocating for yourself is extremely important.

Final Thoughts

There’s no such thing as a “silly” question when it comes to your health. Asking questions and seeking clarification helps you feel more confident, less overwhelmed, and more empowered in your care. I went to every appointment with a list of questions and concerns.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and the more you know, the better prepared you will be to face this challenge. If you’ve been through breast cancer please share your advice!