Just diagnosed with breast cancer: Healthcare Provider's Office

It is okay if you do not understand all that your healthcare team tells you right away. What is important is that you ask your doctor about the things you do not understand. If you don't feel that you can talk with your doctor, talk with a different member of your healthcare team, such as a nurse. They can explain it by using other words or show you a picture or diagram of what they are talking about.

To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.

There are many treatments for breast cancer. Your treatment will depend on many factors, such as the stage of your tumor. Breast cancer treatment options may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells in one part of the body
• Chemotherapy, a type of medicine that kills cancer cells but can also harm normal cells
• Hormone therapy, which keeps the body's hormones from helping cancer cells to grow
• Medicine that may block the growth of cancer cells

Talk with your healthcare team about your treatment options. Together you can make the choice that is best for you.

To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.

You need to be confident in the care that you are getting. A second opinion may give you the chance to gather and think about all the facts and options before choosing a treatment option. You may worry that you might offend your doctor by getting a second opinion. But most doctors won't mind. And some insurance companies require you to get a second opinion, but you may want to be sure the visit is covered.

To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.

Many types of healthcare providers make up a cancer treatment team, such as:

• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Surgeon
• Oncology nurse
• Registered dietitian
• Plastic surgeon
• Oncology social worker

To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.

Your healthcare team is there to help answer any questions you have. To learn the most from them, it is important to be open and honest. And ask any questions you have-even if you think they are about something that is not important. It may help to write your questions down ahead of time and take notes during your visit.

To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.