Statistics show that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
This diagnosis is shocking, frightening, and overwhelming, and leaves patients with a long list of questions. Perhaps your first question is, “What should I do next?”
“Hearing the words ‘You have cancer’ changes your life forever and brings with it many emotions,” says Ting-Ting Tan, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope Newport Beach, California. I’ll be with you,” he told FOX News Digital.
“Please take a moment and know that your feelings are completely normal.”
“I’m a Radiologist — Eat These 5 Foods and Follow These Healthy Habits to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer.”
Fox News Digital spoke to breast cancer experts who have helped other women get through this difficult journey and gleaned advice on what to do in the days and weeks after diagnosis.
1. Take a beat and breathe
Experts agree that it’s important to take time to digest the news.
Dr. Alyssa Middleton, a psychosocial oncologist in Louisville, Kentucky, and founder of MyCancerResources.com says, “It’s natural to want to rush into action, but it’s important to take the time to let the news sink in. is important,” he told FOX News Digital.
Signs of breast cancer, symptoms to watch out for, and when to schedule regular checkups
“Feel the range of emotions that accompany this life-changing news.”
Dr. Middleton said that in most cases, oncologists wait several weeks before starting treatment to allow time for further tests, “so there’s no need to panic about making a decision today.”
2. Write down questions and gather information
Once you’ve given yourself some time to process the diagnosis, learn as much as you can from trusted sources.
“Read the information your doctor has given you about the type and stage of breast cancer you have. It’s a number from 0 to 4 that indicates the tumor’s size, location, and how likely it is to spread from the breast,” Middleton says. I advised him this.
Next, it’s important to understand the common treatments for your type and stage, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Write down all your questions and bring them with you to each doctor’s appointment, Tan advised.
“The initial appointment can be very emotional and there may still be some shock and disbelief,” she told Fox News Digital. “Write your questions down so you don’t forget them.”
3. Notify and rely on your support team
“There’s no obligation to tell the whole world about your diagnosis,” Middleton said. “Please share the news with those you feel need to know and will be most supportive of.”
You can share as much information as you like, she added. “This is your health, and you control what and how much information you share.”
“Feel the range of emotions that accompany this life-changing news.”
Once you’ve notified your loved one, it may be helpful to bring a friend or family member to the appointment, Tan says.
“This time can be exhausting, so you need to make sure you understand everything your doctor is telling you,” she said.
“It helps to have a support system with extra ears if you don’t understand something or miss something.”
It’s okay to ask for help in everyday life, Tan stressed.
“Loved ones are often willing to help with everything from preparing meals to taking children to and from school,” she says.
4. Consider a second opinion
Studies have shown that patients benefit from getting a second opinion after a breast cancer diagnosis.
“A second opinion can save lives,” Mr Tan said.
New report reveals rapid rise in breast cancer diagnoses among women under 50
“Cancer is unique, and if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ll want to see a specialist who specializes in your exact type. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a second opinion.”
Even if you don’t change your oncologist, Tan points out that seeking a second opinion can give you peace of mind that you’ve chosen the right care team and treatment plan.
“It is essential to do this before starting treatment as there may be additional options to consider,” she said.
Another breast cancer specialist may make a different recommendation about how to treat your breast cancer, Middleton agreed.
“If the treatment recommendations are the same, you can decide which oncologist you feel most comfortable with and proceed with that doctor,” she says.
“If the recommended treatments differ, you can decide which approach you prefer.”
5. Build a care team
When seeking treatment, Tan says it’s important to find a specialist who specializes in breast cancer.
She recommends choosing an oncologist who practices at a cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
“If the breast cancer is localized, meaning it has not spread outside the breast, the five-year survival rate is 99%.”
“It is very important to have a proper treatment plan in place at the beginning of treatment,” she says. “Physicians at academic medical centers are up-to-date on the latest treatment breakthroughs and options in this field.”
Dr. Anjanette Brown, a board-certified breast surgeon with New Jersey’s Premier Surgical Network, emphasized the importance of choosing an appropriately qualified medical professional.
“This person should be your ‘quarterback’ and will need to direct you on the important steps to take for proper evaluation and imaging before going into surgery,” she told FOX News Digital. .
Brown noted that it’s important for patients to feel comfortable with their health care provider.
“This is going to be a long and intense relationship, and we will be dealing with the emotional and physical changes that are coming, with the possibility of surgical intervention and medical management,” she added.
These 17 types of cancer are more common in Gen X and Millennials, study says, ‘alarming trend’
Dr. Lauren Ramsey, a breast cancer surgeon in Fort Martin; Worth, Texas, specifically recommends timely consultation with a breast surgeon (surgical oncologist). Ideally, the physician will have completed a specialty fellowship in breast surgical oncology.
“Other doctors may end up playing a role, such as a medical oncologist or radiation oncologist, but the breast surgeon will make those referrals,” she says.
6. Connect with others
Many women feel invaluable support from other breast cancer patients and survivors.
“Online groups can be a great source of support as others who are further along in their treatment can share their experiences and support you along the way,” Middleton said.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information being thrown at you, you might want to wait a little while,” she added.
7. Think about fertility
Middleton says it’s important for patients who want to have children in the future to consider this before starting treatment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Before starting breast cancer treatment, it’s a good idea to consult a fertility specialist to learn about your options and make any necessary arrangements,” she advised.
8. Focus on the good news
A breast cancer diagnosis may seem ominous, but experts agree that the prognosis has improved in recent decades.
“Thanks to early detection and early treatment, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 44% since 1989,” Tan said.
“Based on NCI data for women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2013 and 2019, if the breast cancer is localized, meaning it has not spread outside the breast, the five-year survival rate is 99%. ”
“There’s no shame in reaching out to others because that’s a lot.”
Tan added that there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
9. Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle
Exercise is still recommended even if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, Ramsey said.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“We recommend all forms of physical activity, whether it’s light walking or more vigorous exercise,” she advised. “Please continue with your daily life as usual.”
Employing a balanced, nutritious diet can also help support the body during treatment and recovery, Ramsey added.
“Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats,” she said. “Avoid foods that are high in sugar or highly processed.”
10. Be careful
Ms Tan advised that it is important to pay attention to emotional, psychological and spiritual needs throughout the breast cancer journey.
Brown also emphasized the importance of self-care.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
“This may include talking to a dietitian, accepting the diagnosis and giving yourself space to adapt, and finding a support group or therapist,” she said.
“There’s no shame in reaching out to others because that’s a lot.”