Breast Cancer: 10 Questions to Ask Your Breast Specialist

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be scary. It is difficult to think clearly when you receive a worrying diagnosis like that. Even so, it is important to ask your breast cancer doctor questions so that you have all the facts about your illness.  Here are 10 questions you should ask your breast cancer specialist.

1. What type of breast cancer do I have?

There are multiple different types of breast cancer. It is important to understand what illness you have so you can learn more about it.

2. How large is your tumor, and what stage is it?

One of the first things you want to ask your breast cancer doctor after a diagnosis is how large the cancerous tumors in your body are.  You should also ask what stage the cancer is in and, if you are unfamiliar with the categories, what this means.

3. Has the cancer spread to any other organs?

Breast cancer sometimes spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs. Be sure to check if this is the case for you to get a full picture of your disease.

4. What are the treatment options available tome?

There are a variety of treatment options your breast cancer specialist can tell you about. Be sure to get the full picture of what is available for you. Ask your breast cancer doctor which treatment they recommend and why.  It’s also wise to figure out which treatments your doctor has the most experience with.

5. What are the side effects of this treatment?

Side effects of cancer treatments can be rough. You will want to get a full rundown of how any medicine you take will affect you before you begin taking it. It is always a good idea to know what to expect.

6. Will I need further tests before I can begin treatment?

Some treatments can be started right after a breast cancer diagnosis, while others require further testing before you can start them.  Ask your breast cancer doctor about the timeline for your treatment options and what kinds of tests you may need to undergo first.

7. Should I see another breast cancer doctor or specialist?

It’s never a bad idea to get a second opinion. Seeing another breast cancer specialist can help in some situations, especially if that doctor focuses on a specific treatment you want to try.

8. How likely is it that I will recover from this disease?

This can be a scary question to ask, but it is something you want to know. The probability of recovery will make deciding on a treatment plan a little easier.

9. How much will these tests/ treatments cost me?

It’s no secret that complex medications and procedures like those used to treat breast cancer are expensive. Talk to your breast cancer doctor and your insurance provider if you are worried about funding your treatment.

10. Should I consider surgery as a breast cancer treatment?   

There are a lot of details when it comes to mastectomy and other breast cancer treatment surgery options  Talk to your breast cancer specialist about whether surgery is the right treatment for you. Be ready to ask follow-up questions about recovery time, side effects, reconstruction, and more.

Looking for a Breast Cancer Specialist?  

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are looking for a professional to help, turn to BASS Medical Group. They have multiple breast cancer doctors who can help talk you through surgery and other treatment options. Call (925) 350-4044 to learn more.