To learn more about estrogen and progesterone receptor testing for breast cancer, consider asking your doctor the following questions:

• What are the results of the ER and PR tests on my tumor sample? What do they mean?
• Does this laboratory meet the standard guidelines like those from ASCO and the CAP?
• Is a board-certified pathologist on my treatment team?
• Do you know if this is an experienced lab and if my tissue was quickly given to the pathologist after my biopsy or surgery as recommended by guidelines?
• Can I obtain a copy of my pathology report (laboratory test results)?
• Is my ER and PR status indicated on the pathology report? Was the ASCO-CAP guideline recommendation used to define the status?
• Based on these test results, what treatments do you recommend and why?
• What are the possible side effects of these treatments?