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Questions to ask about HER2-positive breast cancer

If your cancer is HER2-positive, ask what the HER2 result means for your options, the order of your treatment, which side effects to watch, and how your heart will be monitored. Ask your team to write the exact drug names down. Treatment is planned for you, so these questions help you understand why.

For information only, not medical advice.Updated 3 November 2026

About the diagnosis

  1. Is the HER2 result final, and which test gave it?
  2. What are my oestrogen and progesterone receptor results?
  3. What stage is the cancer, and are more tests planned?

About treatment

  1. What treatments do you recommend, in what order, and why?
  2. What is the goal: cure, control or comfort?
  3. How long will treatment last, and where will I have it?
  4. Is a clinical trial an option for me?

About side effects and monitoring

  1. Which side effects should I report right away, and who do I call day or night?
  2. How is heart health checked during treatment, and how often?
  3. What can I do for side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea or tiredness?

About daily life

  1. Can I keep working, travelling and exercising?
  2. Who can I talk to if I feel overwhelmed?

How to use this list

Pick your top three, most important first. Bring someone to take notes. End with: "What is the most important thing I should remember from today?" See also 10 questions to ask your oncologist and the symptom diary.

Frequently asked questions

What does HER2-positive mean?

It means the cancer cells have more HER2 protein than usual. Your team will explain what this means for your treatment.

Should I ask about heart monitoring?

Yes, if it applies to your treatment. Ask when checks happen and which symptoms to report.

Should I keep a symptom record?

A short daily note (what, when, 0 to 10) helps you describe side effects accurately at each appointment.

For information only, not medical advice. For information only, not medical advice. Always follow your care team's guidance, and use the number you were given for anything urgent.