Answer
What questions should I ask my oncologist?
Ask: What type and stage of cancer do I have? What are my treatment options and the goal of each (cure, control, comfort)? What are the side effects? Are there clinical trials? Who do I call after hours? What will my insurance cover?
Last updated: 2026-07-10 · Reviewed by Cancer Answers OC Care Coordination Team
About the diagnosis: type, stage, grade, biomarkers, and what your pathology tells us about how aggressive the cancer is.
About treatment: recommended plan and why, alternatives, expected outcomes, side effects (short- and long-term), and impact on fertility, work, or daily life.
About logistics: how long treatment will take, how often you'll come in, who covers after-hours questions, and what to do if you feel unwell during treatment.
About cost: ask for a referral to a financial counselor — most cancer centers have one. They can estimate out-of-pocket costs and connect you to assistance programs.