Prepare for your cancer visit

Start with the report

A pathology report describes the tissue examined and the diagnosis. Grade describes how abnormal the cells look. Stage describes the extent of cancer. Biomarker results may guide treatment, and some results arrive later as an addendum. Ask your team which findings are final and which are still pending.

What changes the plan

The cancer type, extent, biology, prior treatment, overall health and your priorities shape the discussion. Ask your clinician to explain the goal before comparing options. A list of drugs is not an individualized treatment sequence.

Questions for your next visit

• What is the exact diagnosis, and which results are still pending?
• What is the stage, and what does it mean in my situation?
• Which biomarkers or inherited-risk tests are relevant?
• Is the goal cure, control, symptom relief, or a combination?
• What are the benefits, risks and alternatives, including appropriate trials?
• How will we know whether treatment is helping?
• Who should I call about symptoms, including after hours?

Bring what helps

Bring your medication list, outside reports, and your three most important questions. Ask whether a support person or interpreter can join. Request a written summary of the agreed next step.

A learning example

Hypothetical example, not a patient story. Two reports can name the same organ but contain different tumor types or biomarkers. A useful question is “Which finding in my report changes the options?”

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Read the full AML patient guide