Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

This guide has suggestions about what to ask at critical points in your journey—so you feel well informed and empowered to make decisions at every step.

A doctor holding a pen talking to a patient.

Doctor Discussion Guide

Clear communication with your doctor is a must for feeling confident about your care. For appointments, bring a list of questions that are important to you.

Remember: your doctor wants you to play an active role in making decisions about your care and treatment choices. He or she should work closely with you to fit your treatment to your lifestyle and other considerations.

Make Sure You Get the Information You Need

  • Bring a family member or friend to your appointment. Ask them to take notes and to make sure you’ve asked all questions on your list.
  • Ask if you can record your discussion so you can review it later for details you may miss.
  • If something your doctor told you is unclear, don’t be shy about calmly saying, “I’m sorry. I didn’t understand,” so they can explain.
  • To make sure you understand something complicated, repeat it back to your doctor. “Let me make sure I understand.” This can help you feel confident and not confused.

When You’re First Diagnosed with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

These 9 basic questions will help to ensure you have the essential information you need to understand your condition and next steps.

  1. Whom do I contact with questions or concerns that come up between visits?
  2. What is my specific cancer diagnosis? (alt: What type of cancer do I have exactly?)
  3. Where is the cancer located in my body?
  4. What stage is my cancer?
  5. What are my treatment goals?
  6. What are my comprehensive biomarker test results?
  7. What are my treatment options?
  8. What will happen next with my care?
  9. Who else will be on my cancer care team?
  10. Should I get a Second Opinion?

When You’re Uncertain About Biomarker Testing

Not sure whether your doctor has ordered comprehensive biomarker testing. for you? Be sure to ask! Experts now recommend this test for all patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (Note that not all doctors test every lung cancer patient at diagnosis as recommended)

If You’re Awaiting a Biopsy

  1. What tests for cancer will I have?
  2. Will enough tissue be removed with my biopsy to send for comprehensive biomarker testing?
    • If I’m not a candidate, can you explain why?
  3. How long does it take to get my biomarker testing results?
  4. Should I start treatment before the results are available?

If You’ve Already Been Diagnosed With NSCLC

  1. Was comprehensive biomarker testing done on my tumor tissue?
    If not:
    • can you explain why?
    • is there extra tumor tissue from my biopsy to use for this test?
    • if not, can we get a biopsy now?
  2. Will you explain my biomarker testing results to me and how they’ll affect my treatment options? (This fact sheet can help you read your test report.)
  3. When could I need biomarker testing in the future?
  4. How many ALK+ lung cancer patients have you treated and are you treating now?

When Your Doctor Recommends a Treatment

These are the most important questions for helping you make an informed choice.

  1. Why do you think this is the best treatment for my particular cancer now?
    • if not, can we get a biopsy now?
  2. What is the goal of this treatment?
  3. How likely is it to be effective?
  4. What are the potential side effects?
  5. How will you monitor how well it’s working for me?
  6. What other options do I have?
  7. How often will I need to come into the office?
  8. Where will I receive the treatment?
  9. How much will it cost me?

When Cancer Has Progressed

  1. Where has the cancer spread in my body?
  2. How quickly do I need to decide on next steps?
  3. Will I need a biopsy? If so, what kind and from what body area?
  4. Will additional biomarker testing be done?
  5. Why did my treatment stop working? What is driving my cancer now?
  6. Would I be a good candidate for any clinical trials at this point?

Feeling Uncertain About Your Cancer Care Choice?

Our Second Opinion program offers peace of mind when you’re facing important decisions. We connect patients with top ALK+ lung cancer specialists who can review medical records and offer personalized treatment recommendations.

GET A SECOND OPINION