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Questions to ask an oncologist at the first appointment

By the Visit Digest team · Updated November 2, 2026

The short answer: ask what kind of cancer you have, what stage it is and whether it has spread, which tests come next, what your treatment options are and which one the doctor recommends, what side effects to expect, and who to call when you have a problem. Bring someone with you, write your questions down, and take notes.

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. A first visit can bring a lot of new information at once, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that you will likely hear a great deal at your appointment.3 You do not need to ask every question below. Pick the ones that matter most to you. If you do not know what your diagnosis is yet, start with the first group.

Get ready before you go

  • Bring someone with you. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests a companion to help remember your questions and what was said, and to take notes if you want.1
  • Write your questions down and bring the list. Add new ones as they come to you.1,4 Put the most important at the top.
  • Bring a complete list of your medicines and supplements. That includes vitamins, herbs and fish oil. The NCI suggests telling your doctor about all of them and asking whether any could change how cancer treatment works.2
  • Ask about recording. The ACS suggests asking your care team whether you may record the visit.1 Laws differ by state, so always ask first.

Questions about your diagnosis and tests

These come from the NCI and ACS lists for people who have just been told they have, or may have, cancer.1,3

  1. What kind of cancer do I have? Ask the doctor to explain any word you don't know.
  2. What stage is it, and what does that mean for me? Stage describes how far the cancer has grown or spread.
  3. Where did it start, and has it spread to other parts of my body?
  4. Do I need more tests before treatment starts? Ask which ones, how and when you will get the results.
  5. Can biomarker or molecular testing be done? Ask whether genetic counseling makes sense for you or your family.1
  6. Which other specialists should I see?

Both organizations also list questions about how serious the cancer is and what your chances of survival are.1,3 These are hard to ask. You can ask them now or later, and you can say how much detail you want to hear.

Questions about treatment

You may not get to treatment choices at the first visit. If you do, these are worth asking.1,2

  1. What are my treatment options for this type and stage? Ask about the benefits and risks of each.
  2. Which do you recommend, and why?
  3. What is the goal of treatment? Ask whether it could cure the cancer.
  4. When would treatment start, and what happens if I wait?
  5. How will we know whether it is working? Ask what happens if it isn't.
  6. How much experience does the team have with this cancer?
  7. Can you help me find a doctor for a second opinion? The NCI includes this in its list of questions.2,3
  8. Is a clinical trial an option? A clinical trial is a research study of a treatment.

Questions about side effects and daily life

  • What side effects are possible, and which are likely to last? Ask how they can be prevented or treated.2
  • Could treatment affect my ability to have children? Ask about options before treatment starts.1,2
  • Can I keep working? Will I need a ride or help at home?1,2
  • Who can help me with worry, sadness or distress? The ACS includes this in its list.1

Questions about costs and who to call

  • Who can explain what my insurance covers and what I will pay? Ask whether there is a financial counselor or patient navigator.1
  • Which symptoms should I report right away? Ask when to call the cancer team, when to call your primary care provider, and when to go to the emergency room. Also ask what to do after hours.1,2 Write the answer where you and your family can find it.
Need to talk to someone? The NCI's Contact Center answers cancer questions at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).2

During and after the visit

Take notes, or ask your companion to. Our tips on taking notes at an appointment can help. If a term stops you, see how to understand the medical terms your doctor uses. Afterward, go over your notes while they are fresh and call the office about anything still unclear. See what to do after a doctor's appointment for next steps. Do not start, stop or change any treatment or medicine without talking to your care team.

Common questions

Should I bring someone to my first oncology appointment?

Yes, if you can. The American Cancer Society suggests bringing someone to help remember your questions and what was said. They can also take notes while you focus on the conversation.1

Can I ask for a second opinion?

Yes. The National Cancer Institute lists asking for help finding a doctor for a second opinion as a question to raise with your care team.2

Can I record my oncology appointment?

Ask your care team first. The American Cancer Society suggests asking whether you may record the visit.1 Laws differ by state, so never record without asking.

Sources

  1. American Cancer Society. Questions to ask when you've been diagnosed with cancer. Last revised August 11, 2025.
  2. National Cancer Institute. Questions to ask your doctor about treatment. Updated February 22, 2023.
  3. National Cancer Institute. Questions to ask your doctor about your diagnosis. Updated April 11, 2022.
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Caregiving – taking your loved one to the doctor. Reviewed April 2026.

This guide is general information and isn't medical or legal advice. Always follow the advice of your own doctor or care team. If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911.