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First Steps in the Fight Against Breast Cancer: What to Do After Your Diagnosis

Writer's picture: Rebecca Jordan, DORebecca Jordan, DO

By: Rebecca Jordan, DO, breast surgeon, Geisinger


Knowledge is power for those with cancer


“You have breast cancer.” Four words that can turn anyone’s world upside down. These four words suddenly throw everything into question—your future, your family and yourself.

One in eight women will get breast cancer.


If you or a family member just received a breast cancer diagnosis, you may be wondering, “What now?” First, take the time to collect your thoughts. Stay hopeful and know you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to be scared or uncertain. Communication with your doctor is key to a successful treatment and calm mind.


Cancer can be very scary for patients because the how and why are not always completely understood. The best way to handle a breast cancer diagnosis is to talk to your doctor and be as informed as possible. Knowledge really is power, so the more you understand your cancer and treatment options, the less worried you’ll likely be.


Here are some tips on what to do after you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.


Understand your diagnosis

While the term “breast cancer” sounds like a specific condition, it isn’t.


Breast cancer includes many different types and subtypes that require different treatments. Cancer is different from person to person, so when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you will need to ask more questions to fully understand your condition.


Be sure to ask your doctor about the tumor type, cancer grade, whether it is invasive or non-invasive, cancer stage, lymph node status and hormone status.


Tumor type: There are three types of tumors—benign (harmless), pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). There are also specific names for tumors based on their location, appearance and behaviors.


Invasive or non-invasive cancer: Non-invasive cancer will not spread into other tissue, while invasive cancer will. Knowing whether your cancer is invasive or non-invasive will determine your treatment options.


Cancer grade and stage: Cancer has three grades and four stages. The lower the grade, the less chance it will spread. The lower the stage, the more treatable it is.


Lymph node status: The potential for your cancer spreading is based partly on whether it has reached your lymph nodes. Cancers that affect the lymph nodes are more difficult to treat because they can spread more quickly throughout the body.


Hormone receptor status: The presence of hormone receptors, which include estrogen, progesterone and Her-2-Neu, determine whether the cancer is likely to respond to hormone therapy or other treatment regimens.


Understanding the details of your cancer lets you do more research and ask more informed questions. This helps clarify what to expect and what treatment options are available.


Understand your treatment options and side effects

Depending on your specific type of breast cancer, there are many different treatment options. Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation kill cancer cells directly. New cancer treatments, like biological therapy, recruit your immune system to fight the cancer.

Inevitably, most treatments do have side effects, so discuss all your treatment options with your doctor to find which treatment is best for you.


Endocrine Therapy/Chemoprevention: If your breast cancer responds to hormones (estrogen and/or progesterone), you may be recommended medications to block and limit the estrogen in your body. These medications can also be used to prevent breast cancer in those at higher risk.

Some will take these medications and have no side effects; however, they can cause menopausal type symptoms and affect your bone health. It is important to discuss any changes with your doctor. These usually take over five to ten years.


Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, and it is one of the most effective and available methods today.


Chemotherapy can have side effects like fatigue, nausea and hair loss. Be sure you talk to your doctor if they recommend undergoing chemotherapy so you can understand how it might affect you.


Radiation: Radiation treatment kills cancer cells using a beam of high energy radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays) to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells.


Radiation can have side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation and could even cause secondary cancers. However, the benefits of successful radiation often outweigh the risks.


Biological/targeted therapy: New drugs make it possible to fight cancer in new ways. Biological drugs work with your body’s immune system to fight the cancer in a targeted way without chemotherapy or radiation.


Clinical trials: Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial.


Mastectomy/lumpectomy: Breast cancer often needs to be removed surgically. A lumpectomy removes the tumor, while a mastectomy removes the breast. Breast reconstruction surgery can either be done at the same time as, or after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.


The time following your diagnosis can be stressful and confusing, but don’t be afraid to speak up.


If something about your diagnosis or treatment doesn’t feel right, speak up. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat. You have a right to be informed, understand and be in control of your treatment.


For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.


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