10 questions I wish more patients would ask me during their oncology visit:

1. What are the specific goals of my treatment?

(Is this curative, to prolong life, or to manage symptoms?)

2. What are the potential risks and benefits of my treatment options?

(Including absolute risk reduction, or overall survival benefit)

3. Are there any clinical trials that I might be eligible for?

(How can I access innovative treatments beyond standard care?)

4. What lifestyle changes can help improve my outcome?

(Exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and microbiome health.)

5. How will we monitor whether my treatment is working?

(What scans, blood tests, or symptoms should I be tracking?)

6. What are the most common side effects of this treatment, and how can they be managed?

(When should I call the office if something feels off?)

7. Are there any genetic or molecular tests that could personalize my treatment?

(Should we test for specific mutations, biomarkers, or inherited risks?)

8. How do we balance quality of life with aggressive treatment?

(When does it make sense to consider palliative care or de-escalating therapy?)

9. What happens if this treatment stops working?

(What’s the next step in the plan if my cancer progresses?)

10. What can I do to stay mentally and emotionally strong during treatment?

(Support groups, counseling, meditation, or other coping strategies.)

Empowered patients tend to have better experiences and often better outcomes. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Your oncologist is there to help guide you, but an informed and engaged patient is always an advantage.

If this post was helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. And if you have other questions you wish more patients asked, drop them in the comments!