If you’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be feeling a whole lot of things all at once - fear, sorrow, anger, anxiety. It’s normal to feel these emotions and to feel uncertain and scared.

Information can help to reduce your fear of the unknown, but it takes time to absorb. So take some time to review the medical information you’ve been given. Catch your breath, let those emotions work themselves out so that you can take charge, review treatment options and make the decisions that are right for you.

Order one of our Step by Step support packs so that you have all the information you need at your finger tips. Step by Step contains an information book as well as a diary to help you organise appointments and keep track of medical information, and a journal to record your thoughts and feelings.

If you feel like your emotions are overwhelming you check out some of the tips below to keep on an even keel:

  • Slow down and think about what you will need to help you over the next few days, weeks and months.

  • Actively participate in the medical process

  • Find a medical team that you feel comfortable with
  • Write down questions for your medical team
  • Keep asking questions until you understand
  • Take a support person with you to consultations to take notes
  • Seek a second opinion if you want to
  • Don’t rush decisions about your treatment programme
  • Speak to others who have been there – talk to someone with breast cancer who will listen to you
  • Read a book by someone who has had the disease - see our recommended reading page
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or support groups
  • Let your feelings out by talking to your partner, a close friend or family member or by writing in a journal
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Focus on your recovery and the healing process.

Find out more

You will also find more information through the following sources:

Attachment Size
Step by Step Info Bk 2018.pdf 4.34 MB