Just Diagnosed?
Here's What Comes Next.
A breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. This guide gives you the questions to ask, the steps to understand, and the support you deserve — at your own pace.
Take a Breath First
Hearing "you have breast cancer" is one of the most shocking moments in a person's life. You don't need to make any major decisions today. You have time — usually 2–3 weeks — to gather information, ask questions, and bring someone you trust into these conversations.
This guide will walk you through what the coming weeks typically look like, what questions to ask your medical team, and what support is available across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.
Don't Leave Without Asking These
Write these down. Bring a friend. Record if you can. You deserve clear answers.
What type and stage of breast cancer do I have?
Why ask: Knowing the exact type (e.g., HER2+, ER+, Triple Negative) determines your treatment plan.
What tests do I still need?
Why ask: Biopsy results, hormone receptor tests, genetic tests (BRCA), and staging scans may still be pending.
Do I need a second opinion?
Why ask: It is completely normal — and encouraged — to seek a second opinion before starting treatment.
What are my treatment options and what do you recommend?
Why ask: There may be more than one valid treatment pathway. You deserve to understand all of them.
How soon do I need to start treatment?
Why ask: Most breast cancers are not medical emergencies — you often have a few weeks to gather information.
Will this affect my fertility?
Why ask: If you want to have children in the future, ask about fertility preservation before treatment begins.
What Typically Happens Next
Every journey is different, but this is the general pathway most women follow after diagnosis.
Diagnosis Confirmed
Your doctor receives biopsy results and imaging. Ask for a written copy of your pathology report.
Staging & Further Tests
CT scan, bone scan, or MRI may be ordered to check if cancer has spread. This determines your stage (I–IV).
MDT Review
Your case is discussed by a multidisciplinary team: surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist together.
Treatment Plan Presented
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy — often used in combination.
Treatment Begins
Your team will guide each step. Ask your nurse navigator or case manager who to call between appointments.
Ongoing Support
Psychosocial support, nutrition guidance, and survivorship planning are part of complete care.
Types of Treatment Explained
You may receive one or a combination of these treatments. Ask your oncologist which apply to your case.
Surgery
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving)
- Mastectomy (removal of breast)
- Sentinel node biopsy
💡 Your surgeon will recommend based on tumour size and location.
Chemotherapy
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumour
- After surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk
- Targeted chemo for HER2+ cancers
💡 Not all patients need chemotherapy. Ask if you do.
Radiation Therapy
- Often follows lumpectomy
- Daily sessions over 3–6 weeks
- Reduces local recurrence risk
💡 Usually done after surgery has healed.
Hormone Therapy
- For ER+ / PR+ cancers
- Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors
- Usually 5–10 years duration
💡 Very effective for hormone receptor-positive cancers.
Things People Wish They'd Known
Bring a trusted person to all appointments to take notes
Record conversations on your phone (ask permission first)
Ask for a patient navigator or breast care nurse
Request written materials in your language
Join a local support group — you don't have to do this alone
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