Discussing Biomarkers and Cancer Care with a Doctor
You should be able to talk openly with your doctor about cancer. Below are some
questions you might want to ask to help stay informed. Use them as a guide for the
next time you see your doctor to talk about your cancer treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may consider asking:
- Are there any biomarker tests for my type of cancer?
- For my stage of cancer, should I be tested for biomarkers?
- What type of information can a biomarker test tell me about my cancer?
If your doctor recommends biomarker testing, you may consider asking:
- When and how often will you test for biomarkers? Will I need another biopsy?
- What will the results tell you about my prognosis?
- Will this information change the way my cancer is treated?
- Are there any medicines I’m taking or health conditions that could affect the
levels of my biomarkers?
- Will you use biomarkers to monitor my treatment? If so, what will you be watching
for?
Biomarker testing may not be right for everyone. But you should be prepared with
questions about your cancer care. This can help you be more informed when you talk
to your doctor and members of the treatment team.
Learn about the specific roles the members of a medical team play in cancer treatment.
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Download and print a discussion guide to use when talking with your cancer specialist.*
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* This document is in PDF (portable document format). PDF files require Adobe® Reader®; click here.