Steps to take when you receive a breast cancer diagnosis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime.¹ While the statistics can be alarming, there is reason to be optimistic if you’re diagnosed with this form of cancer. Both early detection and treatment options continue to improve, and death rates have been declining. In fact, when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the cure rate can be as high as 99%.²

Research different breast cancer treatment options

Breast cancer treatments are continually improving and advancing. With the guidance of your physician, learn about options that are a good fit for your subtype of breast cancer. Different types of cancer behave differently, and and some respond better to certain treatments than others. The kind of tumor you have greatly impacts the type of treatment that will fit you best.

Prepare financially

Cancer patients and their families in the US foot the bill for an estimated $5.6 billion annually in out-of-pocket expenses.³ Review your health insurance policy to make sure you know what will be covered, and talk to your doctor about how much your specific treatments will cost. If you’ve opted into supplemental health insurance policies at work, such as cancer insurance or critical illness insurance, make sure you understand how to make a claim. These policies will pay you directly to help offset the price of treatment and other things you may need to start paying for, such as child care. If you don’t think you can afford treatment, your oncologist can refer you to organizations that can help.

Take care of your mental health

Understandably, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can impact your emotional wellness and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety can affect your sleep and your appetite, things paramount to recovery.⁴ If you’re a newly diagnosed patient feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis and/or experiencing any mental health symptoms, talk to your doctor. Mental health professionals can help you cope with the changes you’re facing.

Ask your doctor about new developments

Breast cancer research and treatments are continuing to advance. It’s likely you’ll benefit from existing targeted treatments that are less invasive. As you consider your treatment options, consider asking your doctor if there are new developments you may benefit from to treat cancer, or if you’d be a good fit for any clinical trials.

A breast cancer diagnosis is scary, but you can equip yourself with information that can help prepare you for the fight against cancer. Be sure to learn about the advances and treatments that are the best fit for you and remember to take care of your mental health.