Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. In the days and weeks that follow, it is completely normal to feel frightened, confused and unsure of what questions to ask. Many people leave appointments only to think of important questions later, which is why preparing in advance can be incredibly helpful.
Taking a list of questions to your oncology appointments can help you feel more informed, more in control and better equipped to make decisions about your treatment and recovery.
The checklist opposite highlights some of the key areas you may wish to discuss with your medical team.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
One of the first things you need to understand is exactly what type of breast cancer you have. Not all breast cancers are the same, and treatment recommendations can vary significantly depending on your diagnosis.
Consider asking:
- What type of breast cancer do I have?
- What stage is my cancer?
- Has it spread to my lymph nodes or elsewhere?
- Can I have a copy of my pathology report?
Understanding these details can help you make sense of your treatment plan and feel more involved in decisions about your care.
Discussing Your Treatment Plan
Every person's treatment journey is unique. Your oncologist can explain the options available and why a particular approach is recommended.
Questions to consider include:
- What treatment options are available to me?
- What is the goal of my treatment?
- Will I need surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy?
- How long will treatment last?
- What results can I realistically expect?
Having a clear understanding of your treatment plan can reduce uncertainty and help you prepare both practically and emotionally.
Understanding Possible Side Effects
One of the biggest concerns for many people is how treatment may affect daily life.
You may wish to ask:
- What side effects should I expect?
- Will I lose my hair?
- How might treatment affect my energy levels?
- Will treatment affect my hormones or fertility?
- How could treatment impact my mood, relationships or sex life?
Being aware of potential side effects allows you to plan ahead and access support early if needed.
Support During and After Treatment
Cancer treatment is about much more than the physical aspects of care. Emotional wellbeing and practical support are equally important.
Consider asking:
- Are there support groups available locally or online?
- Is counselling available through the hospital?
- What lifestyle changes might help during treatment?
- Are there foods I should eat more of or avoid?
- Who can I contact if I have concerns between appointments?
Remember, you do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Looking Beyond Treatment
Many people focus entirely on getting through treatment, but it can also be helpful to understand what happens afterwards.
Questions might include:
- How will I be monitored after treatment?
- How often will I have follow-up appointments?
- What symptoms should I report immediately?
- What signs of recurrence should I be aware of?
- What can I do to support my long-term health and wellbeing?
Knowing what to expect can provide reassurance and help you feel more confident moving forward.
A Personal Note
A breast cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down in an instant. While every experience is different, one thing remains true: knowledge is empowering. Asking questions does not make you difficult or demanding; it makes you an active participant in your own care.
Take a notebook to appointments, write down answers, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if something isn't clear. Your medical team is there to support you. They expect you to ask lots of questions, although some people don't ask any at all due to fear or just not wanting to know the answers. One thing to be sure of, you will not remember everything that is discussed, so make sure you have someone with you.
The more informed you feel, the more confident you will be in navigating the road ahead.
This checklist is designed as a guide and should not replace professional medical advice from your healthcare team.
Personally, I remember my diagnosis as clear as yesterday. I had a scan, a biopsy and the diagnosis all in the same appointment (You will be contacted at a later date once the blood results come back from the lab, but they generally know the answer there and then).
Leaving the appointment with my husband felt like stepping into an unfamiliar world. We were both in shock, talking through the impossible task of telling our children. Then it hit me with full force. This wasn't some distant possibility or bad dream; this was my reality. In that moment, I realised there was no turning back. Cancer had entered my life, and all I could think was, "Strap yourself in, Jane. This is going to be one hell of a ride".
If cancer taught me anything, it is that life is for living. I no longer put things off or wait for the perfect moment. It inspired me to write my books, create Mission Self Reset, support others and embrace opportunities that I might once have been too afraid to pursue. It taught me to appreciate the ordinary moments, to focus on what truly matters and never to underestimate the strength that can be found during life's most difficult challenges. It taught me to be more appreciative of the people I love and that every day is a gift.
Fifteen years later, I am still here, and I am more grateful for every day than I have ever been. 😘
If my story has resonated with you, please know that you are not alone.
Every cancer journey is unique, but there is comfort, strength and hope in sharing our experiences with others who truly understand.
If you would like to share your own story, either for inclusion in a future newsletter or privately with me, I would be honoured to hear from you. Together, we can support, inspire and remind one another that even after life's darkest chapters, there is still light ahead.
With love and hope,
Jane Kellett
Psychotherapist | Breast Cancer Survivor | Founder of Mission Self Reset 💗
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