Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Cancer Diagnosis Methods

oncare team
Updated on Jul 10, 2025 13:55 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Being advised to get a cancer diagnosis can feel triggering and overwhelming to people. Cancer can bring up different emotions in every person. Some people might think it’s the end of their lives, whereas some people might have lost all their hopes with a small suspicion of cancer.

In this article, we’ll discover more about the types of questions you should ask your cancer specialists when discussing cancer diagnosing methods.

Cancer Diagnosis

An oncologist often uses one or more approaches to diagnose cancer in suspected patients. Including:

Physical exam: If your doctor suspects any areas of your body have any types of lumps or bumps that could be cancer, then they might perform a physical examination to confirm the suspicions.

Lab tests: Some of the most common laboratory tests include urine and blood tests. It helps you to identify any types of abnormalities that can often be caused by cancer.

Imaging tests: Imaging tests help to examine bones and organs in a non-invasive way. Some of the imaging tests may include computed tomography (CT scan), bone scan, MRIs, PET scan, X-rays, ultrasound, and others.

Top 10 questions to ask your cancer specialist about cancer diagnosis!

1. What are the tests used to diagnose my condition?

There are different types of diagnostic tests used for cancer diseases, suggested by cancer specialists. 

These may include:

  • Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, PET/CT scans, or X-rays.
  • Biopsy tests are performed in suspected cancer patients (these include the collection of tissue samples and examined under a microscope) 
  • Several blood tests are used to examine any signs of cancer markers 
  • Diagnostic tests such as endoscopic procedures to understand or view the internal organs

If you are concerned, then ask your oncologists why these tests are important in cancer treatments. Explore the test's purpose and types of tests performed according to your health conditions.

2. How accurate are these tests?

Understand that there are no tests that are completely accurate and right all the time.If you have any concerns about the accuracy of your diagnosis, then ask questions of your oncologists, such as

  • What are the chances of false positives or false negatives in the tests?
  • Is considering a second opinion necessary?
  • How reliable is this method for the type of cancer suspected?

3. How do these tests help to determine stage and type of cancer?

If you are confused about understanding whether performing these testing will determine your condition or not, then ask questions such as:

  • Whether performing these tests helps confirm the type of cancer?
  • Do these tests help to determine the stage of cancer and how advanced the cancer is?
  • Whether these tests help to understand if it has started to spread (metastasize) in the body?
  • How can I prepare for the tests or next steps?

4. Are there any less invasive or alternative tests available?

Understand that some diagnostic tests are invasive requires incision or require surgery, then ask your doctors question such as:

  • Are non-invasive options available for treatments?
  • Can liquid biopsies or advanced imaging substitute in the cancer diagnosis?
  • Do I need to delay any tests or procedures until further evidence is available? 

5. What are the risks and side effects of these tests?

If you are advised to get any cancer diagnosis tests for any suspicion. In some cases, it can come with potential side effects. 

And then ask questions about:

  • Does performing these tests cause pain, bleeding, or infection from a biopsy?
  • Does radiation from imaging cause any side effects?
  • Is there any chance to get allergies from any dyes used in the scans?

6. How should I prepare for these tests?

If you are advised to get any diagnostic tests, then ask questions such as:

  • Should I avoid eating foods or drinking water before testing?
  • Can I take my regular medicines or not?
  • Do I need to take my family or friends to accompany me to the hospital?

7. How much time does it take to receive the tests?

After undergoing any major cancer diagnosis tests, waiting for the results can often feel stressful. 

Ask questions such as: 

  • How long does it take to get the results?
  • Where can I get the explanation of the results, especially, oncologists, radiologists, or another doctor?
  • Will I need to get follow-up appointments?

8. Will I need a biopsy, and what type will be needed?

If you are suggested to get a biopsy procedure done by your doctor, then ask questions of your doctor. 

Including:

  • What kind of biopsy procedure needs to be performed, including needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, punch biopsy?
  • Where will these biopsy procedures be performed?
  • Are biopsies painful in nature?
  • What is the required recovery time needed for a biopsy test?

9. Do I need genetic or molecular testing?

Some types of cancer require the need to perform genetic or molecular testing. If you are suggested to get one, then ask questions of your oncologists, such as:

  • Does performing these tests helps to identify any inherited cancer risks including BRCA, lynch syndrome?
  • Does it help to explore any personalised treatment plans?
  • If performing these tests helps to predict the treatment outcomes or its recurrence risks?

10. What happens if the results are unclear or inconclusive?

There are times when some tests didn’t show any clear symptoms or any clear answer. 

If you get in a situation like these, ask your doctors questions such as:

  • Will the tests need to be repeated?
  • Are there any more advanced or clear tests available for cancer diagnosis?
  • Do I need to get a specialist consultation or get a second opinion?

Consult Today

A cancer diagnosis is a big step towards identifying and treating the battle against cancer. Being proactive towards health saves lives from a deadly disease like cancer with the help of early detection. Asking important questions can give you clarity and reduce anxiety. 

At Oncare, we offer quality cancer treatments including cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation. 

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced oncologists today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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