What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
-Your own observation of symptoms.
-Medical history and exam by a doctor.
-Biopsy (see Glossary), x-rays of the breast and bones.
-Laboratory blood studies of hormones.
-After diagnosis, other tests such as ultrasound,
bone scan, chest x-ray, liver scan are often performed.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
-Surgery to remove the lump, or breast, lymph glands, and
lymphatic channels and muscles under the breast (sometimes).
See Mastectomy in the Surgery section.
-Radiation therapy, hormonal therapy or chemotherapy (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Spread to vital organs if not treated early, adverse reactions
to anticancer drugs and radiation, postsurgical complications
(infection, limited shoulder motion).

PROBABLE OUTCOME
Many breast cancers are curable if diagnosed and treated early.
The 10-year survival rate is related to the stage of the disease at diagnosis.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES
The decision for treatment is very complex, and often confusing.
Be sure all options are explained and that the risks and benefits
of each are thoroughly understood. It is important for you
to be well informed.
Joining a support group is helpful.
See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
-Pain relievers.
-Anticancer drugs, such as fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate,
chlorambucil, vincristine, doxorubicin or melphalan.
-Hormones (male and/or female).
-Cortisone drugs.

ACTIVITY
-No restrictions.
-Exercise for rehabilitation following surgery will depend on
how much tissue has been removed and your general physical condition.

DIET
No special diet. Keep fat intake to a minimum.

Call Your Doctor If

1.You find a lump or change in a breast.
2.The following occurs after surgery:
-Nausea or vomiting, fever, swelling in the arm.
-Pain that is not controlled by medication.
-New, unexplained symptoms develop.

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