What questions should I ask my oncologist?
The highest-yield questions are about certainty and alternatives: how confident is the diagnosis, what testing has been done and what has not, what the goal of this treatment is, what happens if it does not work, and whether any clinical trial was considered. Ask for the full genomic report, not the summary.
About the diagnosis
Certainty is rarely absolute, and knowing where the uncertainty sits tells you whether a second read is worth pursuing.
- How confident are you in this diagnosis and stage, and what would change it?
- Was the pathology reviewed by a specialist in this tumor type?
- Is any part of the immunohistochemistry or imaging discordant?
About testing
This is where the largest gaps usually appear, because testing that was never ordered leaves no trace in the chart.
- Has comprehensive genomic profiling been done, and on tissue, blood, or both?
- Were MSI, TMB, and PD-L1 assessed?
- Was RNA fusion testing performed, or DNA only?
- May I have the complete report, including the variant appendix?
About the plan
Naming the goal out loud changes the conversation, because cure, control, and comfort call for different tradeoffs.
- Is the goal cure, control, or symptom management?
- What is the expected benefit, and what are we trading for it?
- What is the plan if this does not work, and what does it cost me to try this first?
- Was a clinical trial considered, and why or why not?
Related questions
Should I record the appointment?
Many patients do, with permission. Bring someone if you can; retention during a cancer appointment is poor for almost everyone.
What should I bring?
A written list of questions, your medication list, prior pathology and imaging reports, and any genomic reports in full.
Is it reasonable to ask about trials directly?
Yes, and asking whether any trial was considered, rather than whether one exists, is the more useful phrasing.
Reviewed 2026-08-13 by Kim Lockheimer, PhD, DFM.