Questions to Ask Your Doctor - Gold Heart Cancer Support

How to use this guide

Bring this checklist to appointments, print it, and mark the items that matter most to your situation. You do not need to ask every question at once.

Open the trial finder

Education Mental Health

Diagnosis

What type of cancer do I have? What stage is it, and how certain are we about that stage right now? Can you walk me through the pathology report in plain language?

Treatment plan

What are all of my reasonable treatment options? What is the goal of treatment: cure, control, or symptom relief? What side effects should I expect right away and later?

Testing and trials

Should I get biomarker, molecular, or genetic testing? Are there clinical trials that fit my diagnosis or stage? Would a second opinion be helpful before treatment starts?

Daily life and support

How will treatment affect work, fertility, transportation, or caregiving? What supportive care services should I use now? Who do I call after hours or if symptoms get worse?

Related Gold Heart resources

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist→

1-800-422-6237Education

Essential questions: What are my treatment options? What is the goal — cure, control, or comfort? What are the side effects? Should I consider a clinical trial? Bring a support person to take notes.

Finding Clinical Trials→

1-800-422-6237Education

Clinical trials test new treatments and may offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Search by cancer type, location, and trial phase at cancer.gov. Ask your oncologist if a trial is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the "Questions to Ask Your Doctor" guide?

This guide is designed to be printed and brought to your next medical appointment. Review the checklist items, mark the ones most relevant to your situation, and discuss them with your care team. All content is reviewed by medical sources and updated regularly.

Where can I get more help with questions to ask your doctor?

Gold Heart's free resource directory connects you to 585+ verified cancer support programs across Washington State. You can also call the Cancer Support Helpline at 1-800-227-2345 or the NCI Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER for personalized guidance.