Early Breast Cancer
Introduction
About Breast Cancer
Normally, our cells only grow to replace damaged cells or when needed (for example, breast cells grow when they are needed to make milk when a woman is pregnant).
When abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way, they form a cancer. Some cancers may eventually spread into other parts of the body.
Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- A lump in the breast
- A sore nipple
- A change in the shape of the nipple (such as the nipple turning in)
- Fluid discharge from the nipple
- Dimpling in the skin of the breast
- Discomfort or swelling in the armpit
- Rash or red, swollen breasts
- Pain
How Can We Help?
Navigating Your Way Forward
Understanding What This Means for You
How the Information Is Presented to You
Early Breast Cancer
Early Breast Cancer
Understanding Early Breast Cancer
Planning Your Treatment
Treatment Options
Making Your Decision
Your Follow-Up Plan
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
More Information
Planning Your Treatment
If you have a cough or cold, the treatment is the same as other people with a cough or cold. But this is not the case for cancer treatment – we now know that there are different types of breast cancer and choosing the right treatment for each patient can help us save lives. To understand the type of treatment that may be right for you, we first need to conduct several tests (these are called “diagnostic tests”).
Your treatment is unique to you and begins with understanding your diagnosis. During the planning stage, you will learn more about your diagnosis and staging. Along the way, you will meet several health professionals who will support you as you review and discuss your treatment or care.
💡Feel free to take notes or ask questions along the way.
Treatment Options
There are several approaches to treating cancer, and your doctor may recommend combining more than one type of therapy to give you the best chance of surviving the disease.
Sometimes, these treatments may make you feel worse in the first few weeks or months, but research shows that these treatments can give you a better chance of surviving the disease in the long term. Some new treatments can give you a slightly better chance of survival, but these can cost a lot of money, and this may not be what you want.
Discuss treatment options with your doctor to make decisions based on reliable and clear information.
Making Your Decision
Deciding what is important to you helps you cope better with facing cancer treatment. We support your decision-making by providing relevant, timely information and guiding you in considering all the options available.
Your Follow-Up Plan
When cancer treatment has been completed, some patients may feel anxious about what lies ahead of them. Your road to recovery may include post-surgery care and treatment, nutrition, exercise and managing relationships.
We provide resources and practical information for you when you have completed your cancer treatment.
Additional Support
Whether it is emotional support, financial aid, community support, or personal cancer stories, please understand that there are resources and support made available for you as you move forward through your breast cancer diagnosis.
FAQs on Early Breast Cancer
Get answers to frequently asked questions on early breast cancer.
Planning Your Treatment
Your treatment is unique to you and begins with understanding your diagnosis. During the planning stage, you will learn more about your diagnosis and staging. Along the way, you will meet several health professionals who will support you as you review and discuss your treatment or care.
💡Feel free to take notes or ask questions along the way
Treatment Options
Sometimes, these treatments may make you feel worse in the first few weeks or months, but research shows that these treatments can give you a better chance of surviving the disease in the long term. Some new treatments can give you a slightly better chance of survival, but these can cost a lot of money, and this may not be what you want.
Discuss treatment options with your doctor to make decisions based on reliable and clear information.
Making Your Decision
Your Follow-Up Plan
We provide resources and practical information for you when you have completed your cancer treatment.
Additional Support
Whether it is emotional support, financial aid, community support, or personal cancer stories, please understand that there are resources and support made available for you as you move forward through your breast cancer diagnosis.
