Frequently Asked Questions
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor if I Am Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
These are some useful questions to ask your doctor:
- What kind of breast cancer do I have?
- What is the prognosis (likely outcome) for this type of breast cancer?
- Has my cancer spread?
- What stage of breast cancer do I have?
- What are my treatment options?
- Are there any other specialists that I should speak with?
- What side effects will I experience?
- How do I know if the cancer will return?
How Long Does Treatment Take?
There are several possible treatments for early breast cancer. Each treatment may vary in terms of the procedures involved, impact, side effects and duration.
Surgery: Recovery after surgery could take between 4 to 12 weeks.
Radiation: The radiation process lasts for between 3 to 4 weeks. Partial radiation (to a specific area of the breast instead of the whole breast) may be completed in 1 to 3 weeks.
Chemotherapy: Typically, this is administered for a few hours every three weeks, known as a cycle. A typical program may involve up to six cycles of treatment. The duration and frequency of the cycle will depend on the patient.
Hormonal therapies: This is administered in the form of tablets taken daily over five years.
Surgery: Recovery after surgery could take between 4 to 12 weeks.
Radiation: The radiation process lasts for between 3 to 4 weeks. Partial radiation (to a specific area of the breast instead of the whole breast) may be completed in 1 to 3 weeks.
Chemotherapy: Typically, this is administered for a few hours every three weeks, known as a cycle. A typical program may involve up to six cycles of treatment. The duration and frequency of the cycle will depend on the patient.
Hormonal therapies: This is administered in the form of tablets taken daily over five years.
When Does Treatment Start?
The duration and timing of treatments vary depending on the nature of the treatment and the individual patient.
Surgery: In most cases, when cancer is confirmed to be present in the patient, surgery will be recommended at the earliest possible time.
Radiation: This may be provided as the main treatment or to assist another treatment. It may undertaken to shrink the cancer or to stop the growth of new cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: If the tumour is large, chemotherapy may be proposed before surgery to shrink a tumour or stop the spread. At other times, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery to target any cancer cells that remain.
Hormonal therapies: This may be offered if a patient is too ill to undergo surgery.
Surgery: In most cases, when cancer is confirmed to be present in the patient, surgery will be recommended at the earliest possible time.
Radiation: This may be provided as the main treatment or to assist another treatment. It may undertaken to shrink the cancer or to stop the growth of new cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: If the tumour is large, chemotherapy may be proposed before surgery to shrink a tumour or stop the spread. At other times, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery to target any cancer cells that remain.
Hormonal therapies: This may be offered if a patient is too ill to undergo surgery.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Treatment?
Most treatments or procedures for early breast cancer may have side effects which may be mild or severe depending on the procedure and the patient treated. Side effects include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- hair loss
- skin changes
- pain
- weight changes
- difficulty in concentration and memory loss
- lymphedema which can lead to swelling in the arm
- changes in mood including anxiety
What Should I Look Out for if I Suspect I Have Cancer?
Cancer, like many other illnesses, can cause symptoms such as:
- a persistent cough
- sudden appearance of a lump on the breast whether accompanied by pain or not
- unexplained weight loss
- a sore that does not heal
- unusual bleeding or discharge from the nipple
What Happens When You Are First Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
When first diagnosed, you may meet several healthcare professionals from different disciplines:
- if surgery is recommended, you will see your breast cancer surgeon to discuss surgery procedure
- you may see an oncologist (a cancer specialist) who will develop your treatment plan
- you may decide to obtain a second medical opinion
- further tests and scans may also be necessary as part of your treatment plan
How Long Will I Live if I Have Cancer?
There is no simple answer to this question. Your life expectancy is affected by several factors including the stage of cancer you have, the treatments you have undergone and how your body is responding to treatment.
Additionally, thanks to scientific advancements and medical research, the likelihood of dying from cancer has dropped steadily since the 1990s. Five-year survival rates for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, now are 90 percent or better.
Additionally, thanks to scientific advancements and medical research, the likelihood of dying from cancer has dropped steadily since the 1990s. Five-year survival rates for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, now are 90 percent or better.
What Are the Signs That Breast Cancer Has Spread?
When breast cancer has spread, it may produce signs and symptoms in other parts of the body. Breast cancer that has moved into a lung may cause pain, wheezing or persistent coughing. If the cancer has moved into the liver, it may cause pain or swelling under the ribs, nausea or vomiting, jaundice or anaemia. If the cancer has moved to the bones, there may be sudden bone pain, numbness or muscle weakness.
How Long After Diagnosis Should I Receive Treatment?
As a general rule, the sooner you receive treatment, the better it is. If you have concerns or special circumstances that need to be addressed, discuss this with your doctor so that they are aware of your situation and can consider other options.
How Often Should I Receive a Breast Cancer Screening?
A mammogram is a common and effective screening test for breast cancer. It should be undertaken every two years.
What Does Breast Cancer Screening Involve?
The screening process, known as a mammogram, involves pressing each breast between two X-ray plates and taking pictures. It is usually completed in a few minutes.
Is Breast Cancer Screening Painful?
Breast cancer screening, known as a mammogram, involves pressing each breast between two X-ray plates and taking clear pictures. While the process is not painful, it may be uncomfortable. However, the process can be completed quickly.
Will I Die from Cancer?
Cancer is not always fatal but many people do die from this disease. If you have been diagnosed with early breast cancer, then it is likely that you will be able to undergo treatment successfully and live for many more years.
