What Is the Next Step After Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

 

Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can feel terrifying and overwhelming. You’re probably wondering “What do I do now?” Know that you are not alone in feeling this way. After diagnosis, the next step is the staging process.

Staging Breast Cancer

The staging process is when your doctor conducts tests and procedures to find out the stage of the cancer. Once the stage is established, your doctor will use it to determine the prognosis and treatment options. Tests and procedures they may use to stage your breast cancer include:

  • Breast MRI

  • Mammogram of the other breast

  • Blood tests, including a complete blood count

  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

  • Bone scan

You may not need all of these tests and procedures. Your doctor will carefully choose the tests that will be best for you, based on your specific case, needs, and symptoms. Your doctor may not be able to determine your cancer’s exact stage until after you have breast cancer surgery.

Breast cancer staging also involves figuring out the cancer’s grade, tumor markers, and proliferation factors.

What Are the Stages of Breast Cancer?

The stages of breast cancer range from 0 to IV. Stage 0 is noninvasive cancer or only in the milk ducts. Stage IV is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Stage IV is also known as metastatic breast cancer.

Your circumstances are unique, and your doctor and oncologist will consult with you on everything and tailor their care to you and your life, goals, and preferences. Do not hesitate to ask them all the questions you have and learn as much as you can about your cancer.

To learn more or to schedule a mammogram, contact us.

 
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