Talking often with the doctor is important [2] to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

During the initial evaluation/staging

• Where exactly is the tumor?
• What are the results of the biopsy?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• Have specialized tests been done by the pathologist to help find the primary site?
• Would a molecular profiling assay of my biopsy specimen be helpful in predicting a primary site?
• What tests or scans are available to help identify a primary site?
• Is another biopsy necessary to provide the pathologist with an optimal specimen to examine?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Before receiving treatment

• Does my cancer fit into any of CUP's identified “subgroups”?
• What are the treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• What is my prognosis?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
• If I'm worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?