Questions to ask your oncologist at the first visit
Clear, open communication can help both of you come up with a treatment plan.
- Medical Review: LBBC Staff
Breast cancer treatment means making choices about your care together with your oncologist. Clear, open communication can help both of you come up with a treatment plan.
Let your doctor know what’s important to you in your life, and be as honest as you can. Sharing concerns and asking questions about your treatment options means you’re actively participating in your care. When you feel safe to share and communicate with your doctor, you’re building one of the most trusted relationships you’ll have in your life.
We know it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to prepare and what to ask at your oncology appointments, so we’ve created this guide to help make things easier.
Questions to ask your oncologist about breast cancer
Diagnosis, treatment, and for the rest of your life, you’ll go through many phases in your breast cancer experience and it’s normal to have questions about all of them. We’re here for you with questions you can ask your doctor when you’re ready to have those conversations.
After diagnosis
- Can you provide me a copy of my pathology report?
- What type of breast cancer do I have?
- What is the stage of the breast cancer?
- What is the size of the cancer?
- How far has the cancer spread?
- Has the cancer spread to any lymph nodes?
- Has the cancer traveled outside the breast to any other organs?
- Does the cancer have hormone receptors? (Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer grows in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.)
- Is the cancer HER2-positive? (HER2-positive breast cancer makes too much of a protein called HER2, and can be more aggressive than other breast cancers.)
- Do I need to have more tests before we decide what treatment is best?
- Would I benefit from genetic testing for an inherited mutation to learn whether I have an inherited breast cancer genetic mutation?
- Do I qualify for genomic tests (tumor biomarker tests, testing the genetic activity in a tumor) to learn about my risk for recurrence?
- What are my chances of survival over the long term?
- Are there other doctors I should see?
Deciding on a treatment plan
- How long have you been treating my type of cancer?
- What treatment options do you recommend for me? Why?
- How do these treatments work?
- What clinical trials might benefit me?
- What are the chances that the cancer could come back after treatment?
- What are the most common side effects of the treatments you’re recommending?
- How can I manage these side effects?
- How soon will I need to begin treatment?
- How long will treatment last?
- Will I need to take time off work, or can I work through treatment?
- Are there any activity restrictions I’ll need to follow?
- Will I need extra help at home during treatment?
- I’m concerned about losing my hair because of chemotherapy. Can you tell me about resources for preventing hair loss or managing it?
- Will this treatment cause early menopause or menopausal symptoms?
- I’m concerned about how treatment might impact my ability to have children in the future. Can you direct me to an oncology fertility clinic so I can understand my options?
- Will I be able to breastfeed after treatment?
- Can you direct me to someone who can help me understand whether my insurance or other resources can cover treatment costs?
- If I decide to seek a second opinion about the treatments you’ve recommended, what do I need to do?
- Are there any other ways I need to prepare for treatment?
- What if the treatment doesn’t work or the cancer comes back later?
Before surgery
- Are you a board-certified surgeon?
- What type of surgery do you recommend for my diagnosis?
- How long have you been performing this type of surgery?
- What are the side effects of the surgery you’re recommending?
- How soon will I need surgery?
- Are there any medicines or supplements I need to stop taking before surgery?
- Is there an option for me to have a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) instead of mastectomy?
- What are the risks and benefits of lumpectomy versus mastectomy?
- How long will the surgery take?
- Will you need to remove any lymph nodes?
- If so, what do I need to know about side effects of lymph node surgery?
- Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
- How will I feel after surgery?
- Will there be stitches or staples in my incision?
- How do I take care of the incisions at home?
- Will a drain (tube) be placed at the site of the surgery?
- How do I take care of the drain at home?
- Will I need extra help as I recover at home? How should I prepare?
- Are there recovery exercises I will need to do at home after surgery?
- What will my breast look and feel like after surgery?
- Will I have scars?
- Will I still have normal feeling in my breast?
- Is breast reconstruction an option for me? If so, can you refer me to a breast reconstruction surgeon?
- Is it possible for me to have breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy?
- Is there any reason I may need to wait to have breast reconstruction?
- I don’t want reconstruction. What is flat closure? Are there any side effects of mastectomy without reconstruction that are different from side effects of mastectomy with reconstruction?
- Can you explain what a breast form is and where I can get one if I decide I want one?
- Does insurance cover breast forms after mastectomy?
- If I’m having side effects after surgery, when should I call your office?
- Are there any side effects that are serious enough to call your after-hours phone number or go to the emergency room?
- When will my first follow-up visit be?
During treatment
These questions apply mainly to undergoing treatment other than surgery, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.
- What can I do to manage the side effects of this treatment?
- Are there symptoms or side effects I should let you know about immediately?
- How can I get in touch with you at times when your office is closed?
- Are there any limits on my normal activities while I’m undergoing this treatment?
- Can I exercise while I’m undergoing this treatment?
- Is there anything I need to change about my diet during treatment?
- Will I need any imaging tests or blood work during this treatment?
- Is there a way to know if the treatment is working?
- If I need extra emotional support during treatment, can you recommend a psychologist or other mental health specialist?
After treatment
- Can we create a survivorship care plan?
- After I’m finished with treatment, what follow-up visit schedule do you recommend?
- What follow-up exams, imaging tests, or bloodwork do you recommend? When should I schedule these?
- Are there any special exercises that would help me after treatment is complete?
- Are there any restrictions on my normal activities after treatment is done?
- Are there any diet or nutrition changes I need to consider after treatment?
- What is my risk for lymphedema?
- What steps can I take to reduce my risk for lymphedema?
- If I notice that my hand, arm, or surgical site is swelling, what should I do?
- Are there signs and symptoms to watch for that may mean the cancer has come back?
- If the cancer returns, what options will I have?
- Does this hospital have a survivorship care center or department?
How to prepare for your first oncology appointment
We know that medical appointments can often feel rushed. To get the most out of your time with your cancer care team, here are some ways to prepare:
- Write down your questions and bring them with you.
- Bring a notebook and pen so you can take notes.
- If you prefer to make an audio recording of the visit on your phone or a recorder, ask your doctor’s permission before recording.
- Ask a friend or family member to come with you so you can have a second pair of ears. You can also ask that person to take notes while you’re talking with your doctor.
- Ask to meet with the nurse navigator, who works to coordinate your care with different team members at different phases of treatment. Nurse navigators can
- help you with insurance issues
- help you find financial resources
- arrange transportation to and from appointments
- coordinate fertility preservation services
- connect you with emotional support resources
- point you to complementary care services such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, writing groups, or art therapy that may be available at your care center
- be an advocate for you if you experience difficulty within the hospital system
Tips for getting your questions answered
Here are some ways to make sure you’re getting all the information you need during your appointment:
- Let your doctor know if anything they say is confusing to you. Ask for clarification or further explanation.
- Ask your doctor to recommend additional resources such as websites or printed materials that may be available at your cancer center.
- If you’ve done online research on your own, bring links or printouts to your appointment and ask your doctor about the reliability of what you’ve found. While there are many reputable sources online, there are also many sources that aren’t accurate or up to date.
Recommended articles
More about breast cancerDownloads
View moreStay Connected
Sign up to receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.
- 3-dimensional radiation therapy
- 4-hydroxytamoxifen
- ablation
- abnormal
- Abraxane
- absolute risk
- AC regimen
- AC-T regimen
- AC-T-T regimen
- AC-Taxol regimen
- AC-TH regimen
- accelerated partial-breast irradiation
- action study
- acupoint
- acupressure
- acupuncture
- acupuncture needle
- acupuncture point
- acupuncture point injection
- acupuncturist
- acustimulation
- acute
- acute pain
- adenocarcinoma
- adenopathy
- adenosis
- adjunct agent
- adjunct therapy
- adjunctive therapy
- adjuvant therapy
- advance directive
- advanced practice nurse
- adverse effect
- aerobic exercise
- agent study
- aggravating factor
- aggressive
- AJCC staging system
- Alkeran
- alkylating agent
- Allegra
- allopathic medicine
- alopecia
- amifostine
- aminoglutethimide
- amitriptyline
- anabolic steroid
- analgesic
- anaplastic
- anastrozole
- ancillary test
- anemia
- anesthesia
- anesthesiologist
- angiogenesis
- angiogenesis inhibitor
- antagonist
- anthracycline
- anti-anxiety medicine
- anti-idiotype vaccine
- anti-inflammatory
- antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
- antibody therapy
- anticachexia
- anticancer antibiotic
- anticancer therapy
- anticonvulsant
- antidepressant
- antiemetic
- antiestrogen
- antifolate
- antigen-presenting cell vaccine
- antihormone therapy
- antimetabolite
- antimitotic agent
- antineoplastic
- antitumor
- anxiety
- anxiolytic
- Anzemet
- APN
- apocrine gland
- apoptosis
- aprepitant
- areola
- Aromasin
- aromatase inhibitor
- aromatherapy
- arthralgia
- ascites
- aspirate
- aspiration
- assay
- asthenia
- asymptomatic
- atypia
- atypical ductal hyperplasia
- atypical hyperplasia
- atypical lobular hyperplasia
- avoidance
- axillary lymph node
- axillary lymph node dissection
- BAK gel
- balloon catheter radiation
- baseline
- behavior modification
- best practice
- BI-RADS
- Biafine cream
- bias
- bilateral
- bilateral breast cancer
- bilateral prophylactic mastectomy
- bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- biofeedback
- biologic
- biopsy
- biopsy specimen
- biotherapy
- bisphosphonate
- bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis
- blinded study
- blood-brain barrier
- blood-brain barrier disruption
- blood cell count
- blood chemistry study
- board certified oncology pharmacy specialist
- body image
- body mass index
- bolus dose
- bone density
- bone metastasis
- bone mineral density scan
- bone scan
- bone-seeking radioisotope
- brachytherapy
- brain metastasis
- BRCA1
- BRCA2
- BRCAPro
- breast carcinoma in situ
- breast-conserving surgery
- breast density
- breast duct
- breast duct endoscopy
- breast lobe
- breast lobule
- breast reconstruction
- breast self-exam
- Brief Pain Inventory
- cachexia
- CAF regimen
- calcification
- cancer vaccine
- candidiasis
- capecitabine
- carboplatin
- carcinogen
- carcinoma
- carcinoma in situ
- carcinomatous meningitis
- carcinosis
- carcinostatic
- cardiotoxicity
- caregiver
- carmustine
- case-control study
- case report
- case series
- CAT scan
- CBC
- cell
- cell-cycle regulation
- cell proliferation
- central nervous system
- central nervous system metastasis
- central nervous system prophylaxis
- central venous access catheter
- cetuximab
- cevimeline
- chaplain
- charged-particle radiation therapy
- chemoembolization
- chemoimmunotherapy
- chemoprevention
- chemoprevention study
- chemoprotective
- chemoradiation
- chemosensitivity
- chemosensitivity assay
- chemosensitizer
- chemotherapeutic agent
- chemotherapy
- chest wall
- chest X-ray
- Chinese meridian theory
- chronic
- chronic pain
- cisplatin
- Claus model
- clergy
- clinical
- clinical breast exam
- clinical practice guidelines
- clinical researcher
- clinical resistance
- clinical series
- clinical stage
- clinical staging
- clinical study
- clinical trial
- clinician
- clodronate
- CMF regimen
- cognition
- cognitive behavior therapy
- cognitive therapy
- cohort
- cohort study
- combination chemotherapy
- comedo carcinoma
- comfort care
- Coming Out
- Community Advisory Board
- comorbidity
- compassionate use trial
- complementary and alternative medicine
- complementary medicine
- complete metastasectomy
- complete remission
- complete response
- complex decongestive therapy
- compliance
- complication
- compression garment
- computed tomography scan
- concomitant
- concurrent therapy
- condition
- consolidation therapy
- constitutional acupuncture
- continuum of care
- contract research organization
- contraindication
- contralateral
- contrast material
- control group
- controlled clinical trial
- controlled study
- conventional medicine
- conventional therapy
- cope
- coping skills
- core biopsy
- core needle biopsy
- corticosteroid
- counseling
- COX inhibitor
- cryoablation
- cryopreservation
- cryosurgery
- CT scan
- cultural competency
- cumulative dose
- cumulative exposure
- cure
- cutaneous
- cutaneous breast cancer
- cyclophosphamide
- cyclosporine
- CYP2D6 inhibitor
- cystosarcoma phyllodes
- cytopenia
- cytotoxic
- cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Cytoxan
- Data and Safety Monitoring Board
- DCIS
- de novo
- debulking
- definitive surgery
- definitive treatment
- dehydration
- denosumab
- depression
- diagnosis
- diagnostic mammogram
- diagnostic procedure
- diagnostic technique
- diagnostic trial
- diameter
- diarrhea
- diaziquone
- DIEP flap
- dietary counseling
- dietary supplement
- dietitian
- differentiation
- diffuse
- digital mammography
- diphenhydramine
- discharge
- disease progression
- disease-specific survival rate
- distant cancer
- distant metastasis
- Distant recurrence
- distress
- DNR order
- docetaxel
- dolasetron
- dose
- dose-dense chemotherapy
- dose-dependent
- dose-limiting
- dose-rate
- double-blinded
- doxorubicin
- drain
- dronabinol
- droperidol
- drug interaction
- drug resistance
- drug therapy
- drug tolerance
- duct
- ductal carcinoma
- ductal carcinoma in situ
- ductal lavage
- duloxetine
- durable power of attorney
- dysfunction
- dysgeusia
- dyspepsia
- dyspnea
- early menopause
- early-stage breast cancer
- edema
- EEG biofeedback
- efficacy
- Eklund displacement views
- electroacupuncture
- electron beam
- eligibility criteria
- Ellence
- emesis
- emetic
- endocrine
- endocrine therapy
- endpoint
- energy healing
- enteral nutrition
- epidemiology
- epirubicin
- ER+
- ER-
- ER
- ER-PR-HER2/neu-
- eribulin mesylate
- erythema
- estradiol
- estrogen
- estrogen blocker
- estrogen receptor
- estrogen receptor-negative
- estrogen receptor-positive
- estrogen receptor test
- estrogen replacement therapy
- etanidazole
- etidronate
- everolimus
- Evista
- excision
- excisional biopsy
- exemestane
- expanded access trial
- experimental
- extranodal
- false-negative test result
- false-positive test result
- familial cancer
- family medical history
- Faslodex
- fast-neutron beam radiation
- fatigue
- FDA
- febrile neutropenia
- FEC regimen
- Femara
- fertility
- fexofenadine
- fibroadenoma
- fibrocystic breast changes
- fiducial marker
- film mammography
- fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- first-degree relative
- first-line therapy
- five-year survival rate
- fluorouracil
- fluoxetine
- FNA biopsy
- focal
- Food and Drug Administration
- Fosamax
- fractionation
- fulvestrant
- functional magnetic resonance imaging
- gadolinium
- Gail model
- gallium scan
- gamma irradiation
- Gamma Knife therapy
- gamma ray
- Gelclair
- gemcitabine
- gene
- gene expression profile
- gene therapy
- general anesthesia
- generalized anxiety disorder
- generic
- genetic
- genetic counseling
- genetic marker
- genetic marker of susceptibility
- genetic predisposition
- genetic profile
- genetic susceptibility
- genetic testing
- genetic testing
- genetics
- genome
- genome-wide association study
- genomic profile
- genomic test
- genomics
- gland
- Good Clinical Practice
- goserelin
- grade
- grading
- granisetron
- gross description
- Halaven
- hazard ratio
- healing touch
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- healthcare provider
- healthcare proxy
- healthy control
- helical computed tomography
- HER2/neu
- Herceptin
- hereditary
- hereditary mutation
- heteronormative
- high-dose chemotherapy
- high-dose radiation
- high-energy proton therapy
- high grade
- high-risk cancer
- HIPPA
- histologic examination
- histology
- historic cohort study
- historical control subject
- homeopathic medicine
- hormonal therapy
- hormone
- hormone receptor
- hormone receptor test
- hormone replacement therapy
- hormone responsive
- hormone therapy
- hospice
- hot flash
- human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- human participant protection regulations
- hydroxydaunorubicin
- hyperalimentation
- hypercalcemia
- hyperfractionated radiation therapy
- hyperfractionation
- hyperplasia
- hypersensitivity
- hypofractionated radiation therapy
- hypofractionation
- hypoxia
- ibandronate
- ibuprofen
- idiopathic
- image-guided radiation therapy
- imaging
- imaging procedure
- immune adjuvant
- immune function
- immune response
- immune system
- immune system tolerance
- immunization
- immunoassay
- immunocompromised
- immunodeficiency
- immunohistochemistry
- immunology
- immunomodulation
- immunosuppression
- immunotherapy
- implant
- implant displacement views
- implant radiation therapy
- implantable pump
- in situ
- incidence
- incision
- incisional biopsy
- indication
- indolent
- induction therapy
- infection
- infertile
- infertility
- infiltrating breast cancer
- infiltrating ductal carcinoma
- inflammation
- inflammatory breast cancer
- informed consent
- infusion
- ingestion
- inherited
- iniparib
- injection
- inoperable
- insomnia
- Institutional Review Board
- intensification therapy
- intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- interfering thought
- internal mammary lymph nodes
- internal radiation therapy
- International Unit
- internist
- interstitial radiation therapy
- intervention
- intervention group
- intra-arterial
- intracarotid infusion
- intradermal
- intraductal breast papilloma
- intraductal carcinoma
- intrahepatic
- intrahepatic infusion
- intramuscular
- intramuscular injection
- intraoperative radiation therapy
- intraoperative ultrasound
- intratumoral
- intravasation
- intravenous
- intravenous infusion
- intravenous injection
- intrusive thought
- intrusive thoughts
- invasive breast cancer
- invasive cancer
- invasive procedure
- investigational
- investigator
- ionizing radiation
- ipsilateral
- IRB
- irradiated
- irradiation
- irreversible toxicity
- ixabepilone
- joint pain
- Karnofsky Performance Status
- laboratory test
- lapatinib
- laser
- laser surgery
- laser therapy
- lassitude
- late effects
- late-stage cancer
- latent
- laxative
- LEEP
- legal aid organization
- lesion
- lethargy
- letrozole
- leukopenia
- levels of evidence
- Lexapro
- libido
- lidocaine
- ligation
- linac
- linear accelerator
- lipoma
- lisofylline
- liver metastasis
- liver scan
- living will
- lobaplatin
- lobe
- lobectomy
- lobular carcinoma
- lobular carcinoma in situ
- lobule
- local anesthesia
- local cancer
- local therapy
- localization
- localized
- locally advanced cancer
- locally recurrent cancer
- lomustine
- loop electrosurgical excision procedure
- loop excision
- lorazepam
- low grade
- lubricant
- lumbar puncture
- lumpectomy
- lung metastasis
- luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist
- lymph
- lymph gland
- lymph node
- lymph node dissection
- lymph node drainage
- lymph node mapping
- lymph vessel
- lymphadenectomy
- lymphadenopathy
- lymphangiogram
- lymphangiography
- lymphatic basin
- lymphatic fluid
- lymphatic mapping
- lymphatic system
- lymphatic vessel
- lymphedema
- lymphography
- lymphoscintigraphy
- Lyrica
- lytic lesion
- macrocalcification
- magnetic resonance imaging
- magnetic resonance perfusion imaging
- magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
- mainstream medicine
- maintenance therapy
- male breast cancer
- malignancy
- malignant
- malignant pleural effusion
- malnutrition
- mammary
- mammary dysplasia
- mammary gland
- mammogram
- mammography
- MammoSite
- Mammotome
- mantle field
- MAO inhibitor
- margin
- marker
- mass
- massage therapy
- mastectomy
- mastitis
- maternal
- maximum tolerated dose
- mean survival time
- measurable disease
- medial supraclavicular lymph node
- median
- median survival time
- Medicaid
- medical castration
- medical device
- medical nutrition therapy
- medical oncologist
- Medicare
- medicine
- medullary breast carcinoma
- mega-voltage linear accelerator
- megestrol
- melphalan
- meningeal metastasis
- menopause
- menorrhagia
- menstrual cycle
- menstrual period
- menstruation
- mental health
- mental health counselor
- meridian
- mesna
- meta-analysis
- metallic
- metastasectomy
- metastasis
- metastasize
- metastatic
- methotrexate
- metoclopramide
- metronomic therapy
- microcalcification
- micrometastasis
- microscopic
- milk duct
- mind/body exercise
- mindfulness relaxation
- Miraluma test
- mitigate
- modified radical mastectomy
- molecular marker
- molecular medicine
- molecular risk assessment
- molecularly targeted therapy
- monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- monoclonal antibody
- morbidity
- mortality
- MRI
- MRSI
- MTD
- mTOR
- mucositis
- multicenter study
- multicentric breast cancer
- multidisciplinary
- multidisciplinary opinion
- multidrug resistance
- multidrug resistance inhibition
- multifocal breast cancer
- music therapy
- mutation
- mutation carrier
- myalgia
- myelosuppression
- nanoparticle paclitaxel
- narcotic
- National Cancer Institute
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- National Institutes of Health
- natural history study
- naturopathy
- nausea
- NCCAM
- NCI
- NCI clinical trials cooperative group
- needle biopsy
- needle localization
- needle-localized biopsy
- negative axillary lymph node
- negative test result
- neoadjuvant therapy
- neoplasm
- nerve
- nerve block
- neurocognitive
- neurologic
- neuropathy
- neurotoxicity
- neurotoxin
- neutropenia
- NIH
- nipple
- nipple discharge
- nitrosourea
- NMRI
- node-negative
- node-positive
- nodule
- nonblinded
- nonconsecutive case series
- noninvasive
- nonmalignant
- nonmetastatic
- nonprescription
- nonrandomized clinical trial
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor
- nontoxic
- normal range
- normative
- NP
- NPO
- NSAID
- nuclear grade
- nuclear magnetic resonance imaging
- nuclear medicine scan
- nurse
- nurse practitioner
- nutrition
- nutrition therapy
- nutritional counseling
- nutritional status
- nutritional supplement
- nutritionist
- obese
- objective improvement
- objective response
- observation
- observational study
- obstruction
- off-label
- olaparib
- oncologist
- oncology
- oncology nurse
- oncology pharmacy specialist
- oncolysis
- ondansetron
- onset of action
- oophorectomy
- open biopsy
- open label study
- open resection
- operable
- opiate
- opioid
- opportunistic infection
- oral
- organ
- orthodox medicine
- osteolytic
- osteonecrosis of the jaw
- osteopenia
- osteoporosis
- OTC
- outcome
- outpatient
- ovarian
- ovarian ablation
- ovarian cancer
- ovarian suppression
- ovary
- over-the-counter
- overall survival rate
- overdose
- overexpress
- overweight
- ovulation
- PA
- paclitaxel
- paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation
- paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelle
- Paget disease of the nipple
- pain threshold
- palliation
- palliative care
- palliative therapy
- palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia
- palonosetron hydrochloride
- palpable disease
- palpation
- palpitation
- pamidronate
- panic
- papillary tumor
- Paraplatin
- parenteral nutrition
- paroxetine hydrochloride
- PARP
- PARP inhibitor
- partial-breast irradiation
- partial mastectomy
- partial oophorectomy
- partial remission or partial response
- pastoral counselor
- paternal
- pathologic fracture
- pathological stage
- pathological staging
- pathologist
- pathology report
- patient advocate
- Paxil
- peau d'orange
- pedigree
- peer-review process
- peer-reviewed scientific journal
- perfusion magnetic resonance imaging
- perimenopausal
- periodic neutropenia
- perioperative
- peripheral neuropathy
- peripheral venous catheter
- personal health record
- personal medical history
- personalized medicine
- Pertuzumab
- PET scan
- pharmacist
- phase I/II trial
- phase I trial
- phase II/III trial
- phase II trial
- phase III trial
- phase IV trial
- phlebotomy
- photon beam radiation therapy
- phyllodes tumor
- physical examination
- physical therapist
- physical therapy
- physician
- physician assistant
- physiologic
- PI3 kinase inhibitor
- pilocarpine
- pilot study
- placebo
- placebo-controlled
- plastic surgeon
- plastic surgery
- population study
- positive axillary lymph node
- positive test result
- positron emission tomography scan
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- postmenopausal
- postoperative
- postremission therapy
- potentiation
- power of attorney
- PR
- PR+
- PR-
- practitioner
- precancerous
- preclinical study
- predictive factor
- pregabalin
- premalignant
- premature menopause
- premenopausal
- prescription
- prevention
- preventive
- preventive mastectomy
- primary care
- primary care doctor
- primary endpoint
- primary therapy
- primary treatment
- primary tumor
- Principal investigator
- prochlorperazine
- progesterone
- progesterone receptor
- progesterone receptor-negative
- progesterone receptor-positive
- progesterone receptor test
- progestin
- prognosis
- prognostic factor
- progression
- progression-free survival
- progressive disease
- Prolia
- proliferative index
- promegapoietin
- prophylactic
- prophylactic mastectomy
- prophylactic oophorectomy
- prophylactic surgery
- prophylaxis
- prospective
- prospective cohort study
- prosthesis
- protective factor
- protein
- protein-bound paclitaxel
- protein expression
- protein expression profile
- protocol
- proton
- proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
- pruritus
- psychiatrist
- psychological
- psychologist
- psychosocial
- psychotherapy
- PTSD
- pump
- punch biopsy
- qi
- qigong
- quadrantectomy
- quality assurance
- quality of life
- radiation
- radiation brachytherapy
- radiation dermatitis
- radiation fibrosis
- radiation necrosis
- radiation nurse
- radiation oncologist
- radiation physicist
- radiation surgery
- radiation therapist
- radiation therapy
- radical lymph node dissection
- radical mastectomy
- radioactive
- radioactive drug
- radioactive seed
- radioisotope
- radiologic exam
- radiologist
- radiology
- radionuclide
- radionuclide scanning
- radiopharmaceutical
- radiosensitization
- radiosensitizer
- radiosurgery
- radiotherapy
- raloxifene
- raloxifene hydrochloride
- randomization
- randomized clinical trial
- receptor
- RECIST
- reconstructive surgeon
- reconstructive surgery
- recreational therapy
- recurrence
- recurrent cancer
- referral
- reflexology
- refractory
- refractory cancer
- regimen
- regional
- regional anesthesia
- regional cancer
- regional chemotherapy
- regional lymph node
- regional lymph node dissection
- registered dietician
- regression
- rehabilitation
- rehabilitation specialist
- relapse
- relative survival rate
- relaxation technique
- remission
- remission induction therapy
- remote brachytherapy
- research nurse
- research study
- resectable
- resected
- resection
- residual disease
- resistant cancer
- resorption
- respite care
- response rate
- retrospective cohort study
- retrospective study
- risk factor
- Rubex
- salpingo-oophorectomy
- salvage therapy
- samarium 153
- sargramostim
- scalpel
- scan
- scanner
- scintigraphy
- scintimammography
- sclerosing adenosis
- screening
- screening mammogram
- second-line therapy
- second-look surgery
- second primary cancer
- secondary cancer
- secrete
- sedative
- segmental mastectomy
- selection bias
- selective estrogen receptor modulator
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- sentinel lymph node
- sentinel lymph node biopsy
- sentinel lymph node mapping
- sepsis
- sequential AC/Taxol-Trastuzumab regimen
- sequential treatment
- SERM
- sertraline
- Serzone
- sestamibi breast imaging
- sexuality
- sibling
- side effect
- silicone
- simple mastectomy
- simulation
- Single-agent therapy