Questions to ask your cancer team (printable)

A printable list of questions to bring to cancer appointments, grouped by topic: your diagnosis, treatment choices, side effects, clinical trials, daily life, support and follow-up.

6 min read · last reviewed September 30, 2026

Key points

Write your questions down before each visit, and put the most important ones first.
Bring a friend or family member to listen and take notes.
Bring a list of all your medicines, including vitamins, herbal products and supplements.
It's okay to ask the team to explain again, or to use simpler words.
Before you leave, make sure you know what happens next and who to call, day or night.

Cancer appointments can feel rushed and overwhelming, and it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask. A written list helps. Print this page, tick the questions that matter to you, and bring it to your next visit. You don't need to ask them all at once. Your questions will change as you go along.

Before any visit

Write your top 3 questions at the top of the page.
Bring a list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products and supplements.
Bring a friend or family member if you can, to listen and take notes.
Bring a notebook, or ask if you can record the conversation on your phone.
If something isn't clear, it's okay to say, "Can you explain that another way?" or "Can you write that down?"
If you need an interpreter, ask for one ahead of time.

About your diagnosis

What type of cancer do I have? Where did it start?
What is the stage? Has it spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body?
What is the grade? What does that mean for me?
Were biomarker tests done on my cancer? What did they show?
Are there any results still to come? When will I get them?
Should I have genetic testing for inherited cancer risk? Does this affect my family?
Can I have copies of my reports?

About your treatment choices

What treatment do you recommend, and why?
What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, to control it, or to ease symptoms?
What other options do I have? What happens if I choose not to have treatment?
How soon do I need to decide? How soon should treatment start?
How long will treatment last? How often will I need to come in?
Where will I have treatment? Can any of it be done closer to home?
Is there a clinical trial that might be right for me?
Should I get a second opinion? Can you help arrange one?

Before treatment starts

Could this treatment affect my fertility? Can I see a fertility specialist before I start?
Should I see a dentist first?
Which vaccines should I have, and when?
Do I need to stop any of my current medicines or supplements?
Will I need a port or other line for treatment?
Can I meet the nurse who will look after me during treatment?

About side effects

What side effects are most likely? When might they start, and how long do they last?
What can I do to prevent or ease them?
Which side effects should I call about right away?
At what temperature should I call you? Should I go to emergency or call first?
Could my treatment cause long-term or late side effects?
Are there medicines I should keep at home, and how do I take them?

Getting help, day or night

Who is my main contact on the team?
What number do I call during the day? After hours and on weekends?
What should I do if I can't reach anyone?
Do I need an alert card to show at the emergency department?

About daily life

Can I keep working during treatment? What changes might help?
Can I drive after my treatments?
How active can I be? Is there an exercise program for people with cancer?
What should I eat? Can I see a dietitian?
Is it safe to drink alcohol during treatment?
Can I travel?
Is it safe to have sex? Do I need to use birth control during treatment?
Do I need to take precautions at home to protect my family?

About support

Is there a social worker, counsellor or psychologist I can see?
Are there support groups for me or my family?
Can I meet the palliative care team for help with symptoms and stress?
Who can help me with money, benefits, transport or paperwork?
How can I talk to my children about my cancer?

About follow-up

What tests will I have during and after treatment? How will we know if treatment is working?
How often will I see you after treatment ends?
What signs of the cancer coming back should I watch for?
Will I get a written plan for follow-up care?
Which doctor will be in charge of my care after treatment?

Before you leave the appointment

What is the next step, and when?
Is there anything I should do, or stop doing, before my next visit?
Where can I find trusted information about my cancer?

My notes

Use this space to write the answers, your next appointment date, and any new questions.

Something you can do today: Circle your top 3 questions on this page and put it in the bag you bring to appointments.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your health care team about your own situation. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Sources

General information, not medical advice. It does not replace your own care team. If you think you or someone else is having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada and the US).

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