A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Along with the shock, there’s fear, confusion, and a flood of questions: What happens now? What treatment will I get? How do doctors decide?
If you or your loved one is going through this, remember – you are not alone. Your oncologist (cancer specialist) will be with you every step of the way, carefully planning a treatment that is best for your unique situation.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the process works.
Step 1 – Understanding Your Diagnosis
The first thing your oncologist will do is understand the exact type of breast cancer you have.
This means looking at:
Type of cancer:
Is it hormone-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative?
Stage:
How big is the tumour? Has it spread to lymph nodes or other parts?
Grade:
How aggressive are the cancer cells?
To get this information, your doctor will use reports from biopsy, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI scans.
Step 2 – Knowing You, Not Just Your Cancer
In India, many women feel doctors only see “the disease,” but a good oncologist sees the
whole person
. Your age, overall health, family history, and personal preferences matter.
For example:
A younger patient may want fertility-preserving options.
An older patient with heart issues might need gentler treatments.
Step 3 – Discussing All Possible Treatments
Your oncologist will explain the main treatment options:
Surgery
– To remove the tumour.
Chemotherapy
– Medicines that kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy
– To target any remaining cancer cells.
Hormone therapy
– For hormone-positive cancers.
Targeted therapy
– For cancers with specific proteins like HER2.
It’s rarely a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Most women receive a combination of treatments.
Step 4 – Sequencing the Plan
The order matters. Some patients have chemotherapy before surgery (to shrink the tumour), others have it after.
Your doctor decides this based on:
Tumour size and spread
Cancer type
Your health condition
Step 5 – Preparing You for the Journey
Once the plan is ready, your oncologist will prepare you mentally and physically:
Explaining side effects in simple words
Suggesting diet and exercise changes
Guiding you on emotional support options (counselling, support groups)
In Indian families, relatives often play a big role in decisions. A good oncologist welcomes family discussions but always keeps your wishes central.
Step 6 – Monitoring and Adjusting
Treatment doesn’t run on autopilot. Your oncologist will track your progress through regular check-ups and tests.
If something isn’t working as expected, they’ll adjust the plan.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
