Breast cancer remains a formidable health challenge, striking one in eight women in the United States. Yet despite its prevalence, a diagnosis can leave many women feeling isolated and overwhelmed. To help patients navigate the complexities of this disease, experts from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) offer key advice on understanding treatment options and maintaining emotional well-being throughout the journey.

Understanding Treatment Options

The first step in breast cancer management is understanding that treatment plans are highly individualized and depend on the type and stage of cancer. Surgical options range from breast-conserving procedures, such as lumpectomy, to complete removal of the breast, known as mastectomy. More advanced forms of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which disproportionately affects Black women, may require a combination of treatments including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

One particular immunotherapy, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), has shown promise when used alongside chemotherapy. It has now become a standard of care for specific types of triple-negative breast cancer, according to the ACS.

Dr. Katharine Yao, chair of the ACS National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment discussions. “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue,” Yao advises. “Any treatment decision should reflect not just the patient’s diagnosis but also her goals, such as whether she would prefer surgery that spares some breast tissue or complete removal of the breast with or without reconstruction.”

Emphasising the Need for Individualized Care

Breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease. “The breast cancer you have may be very different than the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend,” Dr. Yao notes. “It’s important to keep that in mind when talking to others about their journey and experience with breast cancer.” This means that patients should be cautious about comparing their treatment plans to those of others and should instead focus on an approach that best suits their unique diagnosis and circumstances.

Managing Emotional Well-Being

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can trigger a cascade of emotions, from fear and anxiety to depression. Dr. Daniela Ochoa, ACS Commission on Cancer state chair of Arkansas and director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the University of Arkansas’ Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health alongside physical health.

“Being diagnosed with cancer doesn’t mean that all the normal stuff in your life stops happening. Adding the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment on top of all the normal stressors of life can be a lot to deal with,” Ochoa explains. “Managing stress and emotional health is an important aspect of a treatment plan.”

Dr. Ochoa recommends seeking counseling from clinically trained social workers or psychologists who specialize in helping patients cope with cancer. Support groups and wellness programs can also provide a valuable outlet, connecting patients with others who are undergoing similar experiences and offering a sense of community and shared understanding.

Building a Strong Care Team

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis requires more than just medical treatment; it calls for a comprehensive care team that supports the patient every step of the way. This team typically includes a surgeon, oncologist, patient navigator, nursing staff, social worker or psychologist, and other specialists, as needed.

“When first diagnosed with breast cancer, women may initially meet with a surgeon or medical oncologist to discuss their options, but care should not end after one visit or after surgery is complete,” Yao emphasizes. It’s crucial to establish an ongoing relationship with a dedicated care team to ensure continuous support throughout the treatment and recovery process.

Family members and trusted friends can also play a vital role in this journey. Having someone accompany you to appointments, take notes, or ask questions can be invaluable in making informed decisions.

Finding the Right Support

For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, finding a care team they can trust is essential. “One of the most important things is that patients should seek out a team that they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need,” Yao says.

Breast cancer may be a daunting diagnosis, but with the right medical guidance, emotional support, and a strong care team, women can feel more empowered and less alone as they navigate their treatment options and take control of their health.