Questions to ask: metastatic breast cancer treatment

Knowing what to ask your treating team can help you to make the best decisions about your treatment and care based on your individual situation. Everyone's situation is different.

Below are suggested questions that others have told us are helpful to ask.

Questions to ask your medical oncologist or breast care nurse

• Can I bring a friend/family member to my appointments?
• Can I record our discussion so I can listen back to it later?
• Where is the metastatic breast cancer? (Ask the doctor to draw it on a picture of the body)
• Can you write down what you have told me and what my recommended treatments are?
• What do you expect the recommended treatment to do?
• What are the side effects of the treatment/s you’re recommending?
• Who should I contact if side effects occur?
• How and when will we know if the treatment is working?
• Are there treatments that I can access via clinical trials?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining a trial?
• What are my options if this treatment doesn’t work?
• Who will be the main contact person? What about after hours or on weekends or public holidays?
• Who should I contact in an emergency?
• Is there a breast care nurse I can see who specialises in metastatic breast cancer?
• Will I need to travel for treatment?
• How will my treatment change if I choose to have it in the public or private health system?
• Can you refer me for a second opinion?

Questions about living well with metastatic breast cancer

• Who can I talk to about how I’m feeling?
• Is support available at my treating centre if I need help dealing with personal relationships?
• What support is available for my partner and family?
• Who can I talk to at my treating centre if I have concerns about my children, partner or family?
• Are there changes to my lifestyle that could help me feel better?
• What type of exercise is safe for me? How can I find an accredited exercise physiologist?
• Where can I get help and support with eating well?
• Can you suggest a ‘living well’ program that may assist me?
• Can I keep working?
• Is there a metastatic support group at this hospital?
• Can you suggest a support group that might help me?
• How do I access palliative care support? What options are available?
• Are there costs associated with palliative care support?