Getting through the first few weeks

After the shock of an early breast cancer diagnosis, people often feel confused and overwhelmed. You may have so much information, you’re not sure where to start.

We have tips to help you feel more in control in the first weeks and months after you are diagnosed.

For many people, a sense of control helps them manage the emotional and practical issues that come with diagnosis.

If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and distress, Coping with emotions after a diagnosis of breast cancer may help. BCNA Helpline is also here for support and information.

Understand your diagnosis

Take time to understand what your diagnosis means for you. We explain the different Types and subtypes of breast cancer.

Lots of words used to describe breast cancer sound similar but your pathology report has the exact details. You can ask your medical team, including your GP, surgeon, or medical oncologist for a copy.

To make sense of the pathology report, read Understand your pathology report. 

Take your time

Your doctors may already be talking about the different treatment options, including surgery. Soon, you need to decide which options are right for you.

Some people make decisions quite quickly. Others prefer to discuss the options with the people around them.

It’s helpful to know that you usually have time to think about what’s best for you. You probably won't have to rush into decisions or have surgery immediately.

It’s often fine to take a week or 2 so you can:

• think about what feels right for you, even if people close to you have their own ideas about what you should do
• talk about the options with friends, family or support groups
• break tasks into small steps so you can manage them and reduce your stress
• ask for a second opinion, if you want to
• plan the support you will need while you have treatment.

Taking a little time won’t affect the outcome of your treatment. It can, however, make a big difference to how prepared and in control you feel.

Read How breast cancer treatment is decided for helpful tips.

Understand your treatment options

Most people find that they cope better when they know what to expect.

Ask questions and talk through the treatment options and the support available to you and your family.

Everyone is different, so you need to find the level of information that suits you.

We explain the different Treatments for early breast cancer.

Other Australian and international websites have breast cancer information you can trust. Go to Reliable breast cancer websites. Remember that not everything will be relevant to your specific diagnosis. If you have questions, talk to a member of your treating team.

Find a medical team

It takes a team of people to provide care when you have breast cancer. It’s important you have a team you are comfortable with, and who look after you well.

Find out who is usually on your Treating team for breast cancer and how to find them. They may also refer you to allied health professionals.

Ask for second opinions if you think you need them.

Ask questions

Your medical team knows you will have lots of questions! Ask anything that will help you understand your situation and the treatment plan they are proposing.

Before you go to appointments, write a list of questions you want to ask. Put the most important ones at the top in case you don’t have time for all of them.

Not sure what to ask? Our members have created a list of what they found useful: Questions to ask when diagnosed with early breast cancer.

Podcast: Communicating with your health professionals

Keep records

Try to keep a record of all the information, including test results, you receive.

To help, take a family member or friend to appointments. They can help by taking notes about what the health professional says.

Keep a record of your bills and any Medicare or private health fund rebates you receive. This  helps you stay on top of your expenses.

Store your medical or financial records in one secure place.

Understand the out of pocket costs

Your treatment will take place over many months.

Costs can add up, especially if you’re being treated in the private health system.

Before you have tests, surgery or other treatment, it’s important to know what you have to pay ‘out of pocket’. This means the cost or ‘gap’ that Medicare and your private health insurer do not cover.

Talk to your doctors and, if you have one, your private health insurer, before you make a final decision about your treatment. You can ask for a second opinion on costs if you need to.

Listen to shared experiences

People who have experienced breast cancer share their insights into what helped them feel supported.

• Support following a diagnosis of breast cancer
• Breast cancer and your family
• Communicating with family and friends

Things you can do now

• Join the Online Network to connect with people who understand what you're going through.
• Contact our Helpline team. We're available on 1800 500 258 between 9.00am and 5.00pm AEST, Monday to Friday, for information about the services and supports that may be available.
• Watch BCNA videos:
  • Just diagnosed; what’s next?
  • Prioritising me - setting healthy boundaries
• Listen to BCNA podcasts:
  • D Day: Diagnosis Shock
  • Just diagnosed - what's next?