Assembling your breast cancer support team

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel like your world has been turned upside down, but it's important to remember that modern treatments are highly effective, and you have many options. Today, people diagnosed with breast cancer have more than a 90% chance of surviving at least five years, thanks to advancements in detection and care. Take a moment to process this news and focus on the path ahead.

Your next step is assembling a strong support network and medical team to guide you through treatment. Surround yourself with loved ones who can provide emotional and practical support — whether it's your partner, children, parents, or close friends. Equally important is building a trusted medical team that understands your needs and helps you feel confident in your treatment plan. Knowing who will be by your side on this journey can make the road ahead feel more manageable.

Your primary care doctor or gynecologist may have been the one who delivered the news about your cancer after a routine mammogram, or after you noticed a lump in your breast. Once you have a diagnosis, you will want to be under the care of a team of doctors who specialize in the treatment of cancer, including breast cancer. There are three types of doctors who treat breast cancer.

• Medical oncologists specialize in treating breast cancer with medications such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
• Surgeons treat breast cancer with surgical procedures.
• Radiation oncologists are experts in radiation therapy.

Depending on your cancer stage, you may see just one or all three of these specialists. There are many ways to find an oncologist. You can ask your primary care doctor or gynecologist for a referral, contact your local or state medical society, or call a nearby cancer center or medical school.

Be thoughtful and diligent when choosing a doctor. Carefully consider your options, so you can find the treatment team that is most experienced and that most closely meets your needs. It is perfectly acceptable to get an opinion from more than one doctor—in fact, it is expected. The following are five characteristics to look for in a breast cancer doctor:

• Expertise. If possible, you want a doctor who specializes in breast cancer, not just cancer in general. The doctor you choose should be up to date on the latest breast cancer treatments and research advances (clues include working at a major cancer center, having conducted medical research, or both).
• Credentials. Your doctors should be board-certified and affiliated with a reputable cancer center or hospital. Ideally, they will have conducted research in their breast cancer specialty. If you are looking for a surgeon, you want someone who has performed hundreds, if not thousands, of the procedure you will have. Your surgeon also should be willing to share results with you, including how many procedures were successful and how often complications or side effects occurred.
• Rapport. The doctor should make you feel comfortable enough to share your personal information.
• Good communication. The doctor should take the time to explain things to you in a way that you understand and should listen to you and respect your concerns and preferences.
• Responsive office staff. You should be able to set up an appointment and reach the doctor with questions quickly and easily. The staff should be professional, courteous, and compassionate every time you call or come in. Rude front-office staff are a big red flag.

Along with one or more oncologists, expect to work with some or all of these medical professionals during your treatment:

• Breast radiologist. This professional reads the results of your mammogram and other imaging scans to diagnose your cancer and determine whether treatment is working.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They work with your doctors to manage your care.
• Genetic counselor. This specialist will help you understand the results of any genetic tests you might have, including whether breast cancer runs in your family and if your children or other loved ones could be at risk.
• Oncology nurse navigator or patient navigator. This professional coordinates your medical appointments and helps you overcome any barriers to care, such as transportation to your appointments or the ability to pay for your treatment.
• Plastic or reconstructive surgeon. If you decide to have your breasts reconstructed after a mastectomy, one of these doctors will perform the procedure.
• Social worker. This support person can help you understand your diagnosis and find financial resources if you need help paying for your treatment.
• Dietitian. A nutritionist can ensure that you eat a balanced diet to prevent weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

For more information on a breast cancer diagnosis, check out Your Breast Cancer Action Plan, an Online Guide from Harvard Medical School.

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