Often the patient and relatives are not sure about which questions to ask when they meet their treating oncologist (cancer specialist). The diagnosis does come as a shock and it takes time to deal with it. Thinking clearly may not be possible at such a time. Listed below are a few questions that may help you make a shared decision with your doctor, as to the best treatment options. Every patient is unique and needs are different. Some of these questions may apply to you and some may not.

Q1.   What type of breast cancer do I have? Can you explain the biopsy results to me?

Breast cancer is of 3 different types and we base a lot of our medical decisions on the type. Essentially there is Hormone receptor positive Breast Cancer, Her2 positive Breast Cancer and Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It can also be early, advanced or metastatic.

Q2.   What stage is the Breast Cancer?

It is important to know the stage so that treatment can be planned accordingly.

Q3. What does ER PR and Her2 status of the tumor mean?

ER or Hormone receptor positive tumors generally respond better to hormonal therapies where as   Her2 positive tumors require targeted therapies along with chemotherapy. Further explanation can be given by the treating oncologist.

Q4. What treatment plan is recommended for me and Why?

It is important to get a complete treatment plan before starting treatment – usually all 3 treatments  - surgery, radiation and medical are required. The sequence of treatment has to be decided right in the beginning before starting.

Q5. Should some treatment before the surgery be considered?

Today we consider targeted therapy and chemotherapy before the surgery in many cases. This not only helps to shrink the tumor and reduce the extent of surgery, but also helps to test the efficiency of these treatments on the tumor. In some types of Breast Cancer there is over a 50% chance that the tumor will be completely eradicated. These patients have a very very low risk of relapse. If that does not happen and tumor remains behind, we can give more treatment to overcome the high risk of relapse.

Q6. What is the goal each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer or just make me feel better by controlling the disease?

It is important to know this so that the patient and family can plan accordingly.

Q7. Who will be a part of my treatment team?  What does each team member do?

Breast Cancer cannot be treated by one specialist. It is a team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists along with a good Radiologist, nurse, physiotherapist, fertility specialist, geneticist and Psychologist that will treat the patient best. It is also important that these services are located in the same place so that there is adequate communication among the team members to give the patient the best result.

Apart from these questions regarding the treatment, there are several queries that arise regarding the side effects of treatment. Other questions one must ask the treating team are:

Q8. How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my daily activities?

This is extremely important as you can plan your days and the time in between treatments.

Q9. What are the long term side effects of treatment?

Most treatments are safe in the long term. But there may be a very small chance of long term damage to nerves etc, therefore this is an important question.

Q10. Will this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant and have children? What can be done to preserve my fertility?

Breast cancer sometimes occurs in young women. Young unmarried women or those that desire a second child are interested in preserving their fertility. There are several methods available to do this. So it is important to address this with your doctor.

Q11. If I need support to manage the cost of my cancer care, who can help me?

Most hospitals have funds to treat patients who can’t afford complete care or those who lack insurance. There are also private trusts that help. Free treatment can also be availed through hospitals with the Ayushman or Mahatma Phule government scheme.

Q12. Where can I find emotional support for me and my family?

Support groups are critical and members of the group can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment. Survivors also help as does a psychologist who is usually part of the team.

Every Breast Cancer patient is entitled to this information. Don’t be afraid of asking your doctor these questions. Knowledge will help you cope with the disease better and once you know why a particular treatment is being done, it will be much easier to handle. Make a list of questions before you meet your oncologists so you don’t forget important points. This list is simply a guide and you may have many more.

Dr. Shona Nag is renowned as the best oncologist in Pune, celebrated for her exceptional expertise and compassionate care. With a career spanning over several decades, she has become a trusted name in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer. As the best cancer specialist in Pune, Dr. Nag combines her extensive knowledge with cutting-edge treatments to provide personalized care for each patient. Her commitment to advancing cancer treatment and her dedication to her patients make her a leading breast cancer specialist in Pune.