A treatment plan for breast cancer may involve one or more kinds of treatments.
You may receive cancer treatments that are:
- Local treatments like surgery or radiation therapy
- Systemic treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy
- Clinical based trials
- Treatments such as lymphedema therapy, physiotherapy or speech language therapy
- Counselling services for genetic, nutrition, emotional or psychological support
The treatment you receive is designed just for you. It is based on your diagnosis and personal situation. Your health care team will discuss treatment options with you.
Your health care team may include:
- Family doctor
- Surgeon
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Radiation therapist
- Nutritionist
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Physiotherapist
- Genetic counsellor
Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where to find help when you need it. For more information see the Canadian Cancer Society and the Cancer Care Ontario websites.
Your Role in Treatment Decisions:
- You have choices.
- Every case is different. Make your decision on the information that is about you and your needs.
- You have time to make an informed decision.
- Be assertive. Ask questions. Take a list of questions with you to the doctor or surgeon.
- Take a relative or friend to all appointments.
- You may ask your family doctor to send you to a surgeon of your choice.
- Ask if your surgeon is experienced in the treatment of breast cancer.
- If you are not satisfied, ask for a second opinion.