What questions should I ask my oncologist
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For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Grounded in NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer — the same guidelines oncologists use.
- Developed under the medical oversight of OpenCancer’s physician-scientist team (Chris Apfel, MD/PhD/MBA, CMO · Kaumudi Bhawe, PhD, CSO).
- Last updated September 23, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
Questions to Ask Your Lung Cancer Oncologist
Based on the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, here are the key questions your care team recommends you ask:
About Side Effects
- What are the possible side effects of my treatment?
- Does the cancer itself cause any side effects?
- Which side effects are most common and how long do they usually last?
- Which side effects are serious or life-threatening?
- Are there any long-term or permanent side effects?
- What symptoms should I report right away, and who do I contact?
- What can I do to prevent or relieve side effects?
- Do any medications worsen my side effects?
- Do side effects get better or worse over time?
- Will you stop or change treatment if there are serious side effects?
About Your Treatment Plan
- What is my performance status, and how does that affect my treatment options?
- What type of NSCLC do I have (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell, or other)?
- What biomarkers does my tumor have, and what do they mean for treatment?
- What is the goal of my treatment—to shrink the cancer or slow its growth?
- How many cycles of treatment will I receive?
- What is maintenance therapy, and will I be eligible for it?
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
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NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (2026)Browse all NCCN Guidelines for Patients →Have your records handy? Upload them for a deeper, personalized analysis →