Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Susan G. Komen^® has a series of Questions to Ask Your Doctor resources and a Diagnosis Discussion Guide that may be helpful if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. There are also resources if you have concerns about your risk of breast cancer or breast cancer screening. Each resource includes questions to talk about with your doctor on a specific breast cancer topic.

You can download, print and write on them at your next doctor’s appointment. Or, you can download, type and save it on your computer, tablet or phone during a telehealth visit. Plenty of space and a notes section are provided to jot down the answers to the questions.

These resources are a great conversation starter and a valuable tool for people who may be overwhelmed or unsure about what to ask their doctor.

They’re available in Spanish too.

You can also visit our Talking with Your Doctor page to access a list of questions related to many topics found in the About Breast Cancer section of our website.

Resources Available for Download

Risk Factors and Risk Reduction

Breast Density – questions about breast density.
Inherited Gene Mutations and Breast Cancer Risk – questions about genetic counseling and testing, insurance coverage, confidentiality issues and options for women at a higher risk for breast cancer.

Screening and Detection

If You Find a Lump or Change in Your Breast – questions about how to talk with your doctor if you find a lump or change in your breast.
Screening Mammogram – questions about how to prepare for a mammogram, insurance coverage, mammography results and next steps if an abnormality is detected.

Diagnosis

Breast Biopsy – questions about different biopsy options, the biopsy procedure and aftereffects of the biopsy.
Diagnosis Discussion Guide – questions about a newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), early breast cancer or locally advanced breast cancer. This interactive resource can help you gather information about factors related to your diagnosis, your treatment options, the types of support that are available to you and more. You’ll also find a breast cancer glossary and a place to list members of your health care team.
When Breast Cancer is Diagnosed – questions about diagnostic testing, types of breast cancer and prognostic factors.
Tumor Profiling – questions about tumor profiling and how results of these tests can be used to plan treatment.

Treatment

Breast Cancer Surgery – questions to help you prepare for breast cancer surgery.
Breast Reconstruction – questions about reconstructive surgery, insurance issues and possible side effects.
Radiation Therapy and Side Effects – questions about radiation treatment.
Chemotherapy and Side Effects – questions about chemotherapy treatment.
Hormone Therapy and Side Effects – questions about hormone therapy.
HER2-Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer – questions about HER2-targeted therapies.
Biosimilars – questions about biosimilars.
Clinical Trials for Treatment – questions about participating in a clinical trial.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic Breast Cancer – questions about metastatic breast cancer (MBC), treatment options and side effect management.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Bone Protection – questions about bone complications or skeletal related events (SREs) for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the bone.