Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What To Do Next?

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming for a lot of people. Everyone reacts differently and the rush of emotions and thoughts can make it hard to decide on the next steps to take. Fortunately, with our many years of experience helping cancer patients, we know how to help them come to terms with their diagnosis, prioritise their tasks, and chart a path ahead. Read on to find out what to do next when you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.

1. Schedule An Appointment With An Oncologist

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Singapore. 1 in 13 women will get breast cancer in their lifetimes and each year 2,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Singapore. So if you have just gotten a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s important to realise that you are not alone.

The first step to take would be to schedule an appointment with an Oncologist. There are different types of breast cancer and a meeting with a medical professional can define the severity of your condition and determine the recommended treatment protocol. In many cases, early intervention leads to better outcomes, so you should be looking to discuss your options with your breast cancer doctor in Singapore as soon as possible.

2. Prepare A List Of Questions 

A good way to cope with the flood of thoughts when confronted with a cancer diagnosis, is to write down the questions you have. It can organise your thoughts and calm you down. It also has the added benefit of helping you make an informed decision as you can ask your Oncologist these questions to learn more about your condition.

Before your appointment, prepare a list of the most important medical queries to ask your breast cancer doctor. Questions about treatment options, recovery timelines, and impacts to your quality of life should be at the top of the list. Keep in mind that your Oncologist may only be able to give you rough estimates as there are many factors involved in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

3. Understand Your Information Comfort Level

While getting answers to important questions is generally good, you also need to understand what is known as your information comfort level. Sometimes the sheer amount of information overload can leave patients unable to decide what to do next or which treatment path to pursue.

At these points it can be useful to determine your information comfort level. Do you need to know every detail about your condition and the recommended breast cancer treatment? Or would you prefer just the most pertinent details required for you to make a decision? Discuss with your Oncologist about your information comfort level. They are trained to handle the emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis and can be key in helping you through the process.

Learn More: Understanding Breast Cancer And Its Available Treatments

4. Confirm Your Treatment Plan With Your Oncologist

Cancer treatments have advanced rapidly in the last few decades. Innovative procedures can now improve survival rates and reduce side effects. Patients with breast cancer should take the time to carefully go over the treatment plan with their Oncologist to understand why it is the recommended course of action. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about alternative treatments but be willing to trust your Oncologist’s opinion.

5. Let Your Family Members Know 

It can be instinctive to want to protect your loved ones by hiding your breast cancer diagnosis from them so as to not burden them. However, the truth is that family support is an extremely important aspect of coping with breast cancer. Nobody should have to face cancer alone and you should give your family the chance to rally around you and support you through your breast cancer treatment in Singapore.

No one can be adequately prepared to receive a cancer diagnosis. It’s perfectly normal to feel lost or confused on what to do next. The steps outlined above can guide you through the most important and urgent steps that need to be taken first.

With ethics and empathy as our guiding principles, we put patients first as we journey with them from diagnosis to treatment completion. As a Radiation Oncologist for over 20 years, Dr Johann Tang has the experience to provide patients with professional medical care. Contact us today to learn more about our clinic and send in your questions. Our support team will get back to you with answers and set up an appointment if required.