Overview of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease where malignant cells develop in breast tissue. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on a mammogram or felt as a lump. Breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease; it comes in several types and stages, which help determine the best treatment approach.

Types of Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to other parts of the breast tissue.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules, where breast milk is produced, and can spread to other parts of the breast and body.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where cells inside the ducts have turned cancerous, but they haven’t spread to surrounding tissue.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Potentially pre-cancerous cells, LCIS is an indicator of increased risk of developing breast cancer later.

Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Most breast cancers are fed by the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. This is why taking hormone-blocking medication after this type of breast cancer is so important: blocking the hormones can keep the cancer from coming back.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. This type tends to be more aggressive but may respond well to targeted therapies.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This type lacks three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth — estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene — making it more challenging to treat.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Staging ranges from 0 to 4, providing important clues about the cancer’s size, spread, and aggressiveness, aiding in determining the most effective treatment strategy.

Stage 0: Non-invasive cancers where abnormal cells have been found but have not spread.

Stage 1 to 3: These stages indicate progressively larger tumor sizes and/or extent of spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4: Indicates that cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Common Terms

• Benign: Non-cancerous

• Malignant: Cancerous

• Metastasis: The process of cancer spreading from its origin to other body parts

• Receptor Status: Indicates the presence of hormone receptors on cancer cells, influencing treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be as unique as you are, tailored to the type and stage of your breast cancer, as well as your overall health. Each treatment comes with its own set of side effects and risks, which you should discuss with your healthcare team. These can range from fatigue and hair loss to more specific effects depending on the treatment type. Common treatments include:

Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tissue from the breast. Types of surgery include lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small area of surrounding tissue) and mastectomy (removing one or both breasts, partially or entirely).

Chemotherapy: Uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery or as the main treatment for cancers that have spread.

Radiation Therapy: Targets high-energy rays at the cancer site to destroy cancer cells, typically used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells.

Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, this therapy blocks the body’s natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) from supporting the growth of cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells, like protein or gene mutations, to stop cancer from growing and spreading.

Your healthcare team can help you weigh the benefits and side effects of each option so you feel confident in your care plan.

Understanding Your Emotions

It’s normal to go through a range of emotions after a diagnosis. You might feel overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future or frustrated by changes in your body. Remember, you’re not alone. Many have walked this path before you, and there’s a community ready to embrace you with understanding and support.

Seeking Support

• Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a loved one, faith leader, or counselor, sharing your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

• Professional Guidance: Sometimes, speaking with a licensed mental health professional can help navigate the complex emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis. Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists specialize in helping individuals cope with the emotional aspects of cancer.

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Building Your Support Network

Creating a network of support is crucial. This network can include:

• Healthcare Team: Open communication with your doctors and nurses can provide reassurance and clarity.

• Family and Friends: Loved ones can offer practical help and emotional support.

• Support Groups and Online Communities: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Patient Navigators

In your journey through breast cancer treatment and care, Patient Navigators can play a pivotal role. They guide you through the healthcare system, ensuring you have the support and resources you need. Whether coordinating care, accessing resources, or providing emotional support, a Patient Navigator is a valuable ally in navigating the complexities of your treatment and care. Depending on your treatment center, this role may be filled by a Nurse Navigator, a Social Worker, or another trained professional.

Here’s how Patient Navigators can help:

• Explaining Medical Information: Making complex medical terms understandable.

• Coordinating Care: Helping schedule appointments and manage your treatment calendar.

• Accessing Resources: Connecting you with the right support groups, financial assistance, and more.

• Emotional Support: Offering a compassionate ear and guidance through challenging times.

To find a Patient Navigator, start by asking your healthcare provider or contacting your local health system. Many cancer treatment centers and hospitals have Patient Navigators on staff, ready to assist you.

Taking Care of Yourself

Incorporating self-care into your routine is vital. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s a leisurely walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply taking moments to be still. These practices can significantly uplift your spirits and overall well-being. Not only can these activities help you feel better, but there is a lot of research to back up their benefit on treatment.

Finding a Support Group

Many organizations offer resources ranging from counseling services to support groups and workshops focused on emotional health during cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore these options. Additionally, contacting your healthcare team or health system can be a great first step to finding a support group near you. They often have lists of local resources and can recommend groups that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Need Help?

Contact VBCF’s Resource Coordinator at 1-800-345-8223 or help@vbcf.org for assistance finding a Patient Navigator or Support Group. We are here to guide you through your options and connect you with the resources you need. You can also visit our website at vbcf.org/find-support to find resources and organizations to help you find the support you need.

Managing Work and Cancer

Work may be a source of normalcy, identity, or financial necessity but balancing work while undergoing treatment
can be challenging. These tips can help you plan your path through treatment and employment. Here’s
what might help:

• Doctor Coordination: Inform your doctor if you intend to keep working. They can consider your work
schedule when planning appointments, treatments, or managing side effects.

• Communicate: Share your situation with your employer as you feel comfortable. You’re not obligated to
share your diagnosis unless it directly impacts your work capacity. Choose what feels right for you. Many
are willing to accommodate flexible schedules or remote work.

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s policies on medical leave and disability
benefits. Laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
may provide protection.

Navigating Insurance and Finances

Dealing with insurance and medical bills can be overwhelming. Consider these tips:

• Understand Your Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what treatments and medications are covered. Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider for clarification.

• Seek Financial Assistance: Many organizations offer financial assistance to individuals undergoing cancer
treatment. Your patient navigator

Common Terms:

• Pre-Approval: Often required before certain medical services, tests, or procedures, pre-approval (also
known as prior authorization) is a process where your insurance company must give its consent before
you undergo a specific service to ensure it is covered by your plan. It’s a way to confirm that the proposed
treatment or medication is medically necessary according to your insurance’s criteria.

• Co-Pay: A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount you pay for a healthcare service, medication, or visit to
a healthcare provider, under your insurance plan. Co-pays are one of the ways in which health insurance
companies share costs with members, and they are typically paid at the time of service. The amount can
vary depending on the type of service or medication and your specific insurance plan.

• Co-Insurance: Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a healthcare service, calculated as a percentage
of the total cost after you’ve paid your deductible. It’s a way of sharing the cost of care between you and
your insurance company. For example, if your insurance plan has 20% co-insurance, you pay 20% of the
cost of covered services, and your insurance pays the remaining 80%. Co-insurance rates can vary by the
type of covered healthcare service.

Understanding these terms can empower you to better navigate your insurance coverage, helping you to
anticipate potential out-of-pocket costs and make informed decisions about your care.

Personal Life

Maintaining a household and caring for your loved ones while managing your health can seem daunting.
Remember:

• Ask for Help: Lean on loved ones and community resources for help with daily tasks and caregiving responsibilities.

• Open Communication: Keep open lines of communication about your needs and feelings. It’s okay to
express when you need support.

Nutrition and Diet

Eating well is essential for supporting your body during treatment and recovery. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Some tips include:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body function optimally.

• Consult a Nutritionist: Talk to a cancer care nutritionist to develop a diet plan tailored to your needs. Your provider can likely refer you to someone experienced in cancer-related nutrition. Your needs may change throughout treatment, and a specialist can help you navigate those shifts.

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Research shows that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and other types of cancer. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatments and worsen side effects. The effects of alcohol consumption post-treatment on
the risk of recurrence are less understood, with studies offering mixed results. Limiting alcohol may be a good choice for those looking to reduce the risk of developing a new, second cancer. Consider discussing alcohol consumption with
your doctor to understand what’s safe for you.

Physical Activity

Exercise can help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and boost physical function. However, it’s important to:

• Consult Your Doctor: Before starting any exercise regimen, discuss it with your healthcare team to ensure it’s safe.

• Find Activities You Enjoy: Staying active is much easier when you engage in activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s walking, practicing yoga, or doing some light stretching, choosing exercises you look forward to contributes significantly to maintaining your physical health. Including light weight lifting or weight-bearing exercises is also beneficial. Often overlooked, particularly by women, these forms of exercise are crucial after cancer treatment. They not only help in reducing the risk of lymphedema but also play a vital role in strengthening your bones.

• Physical Therapy: There are physical therapists who have a special certification in oncology physical
therapy, meaning they are specifically trained in how to help things like lymphedema prevention or
improvement in symptoms, fatigue, strengthening muscles after reconstructive surgery, and maintaining
skin elasticity after surgery and radiation. Talk with your oncology team to see if oncology physical
therapy might be right for you.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Managing stress is essential to maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Techniques like meditation,
deep breathing, and mindfulness can help keep stress in check. Consider:

• Join a Class or Group: Many communities offer yoga, meditation, or stress management classes tailored
for individuals with cancer.

• Try an App: Mindfulness and stress relief are at your fingertips. Many apps offer guided meditations—
free and paid—designed to fit easily into your routine, whether you’re new to meditation or looking to
deepen your practice.

• Make It Routine: Regular practice can help manage stress and boost your overall sense of well-being.

Fertility and Sexuality

Breast cancer treatment can affect your fertility and sexual health. Changes in fertility and sexuality can be
deeply personal and emotional. It’s okay to grieve these shifts and seek support. You deserve care that addresses
your whole self, not just your diagnosis. It’s important to:

• Discuss with Your Healthcare Team: If you have concerns about fertility or changes in your sexual health,
talk to your doctor. There are options and resources available to support you.

Taking Action After Treatment

Completing your breast cancer treatment marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where many feel a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference.

At VBCF, our roots in advocacy run deep, inspired by the vision of our five founding women in 1991 and nurtured by the dedication of countless individuals like you ever since. Your experience, strength, and voice have the power to fuel our mission, helping to shape policies, raise awareness, and support those newly diagnosed.

There are many ways to channel your energy and passion into action with VBCF. From raising your voice at our advocacy days at the state and national level, to participating in fundraising events, to spreading hope and knowledge through community outreach, every effort contributes to a larger movement towards change.

If you’re inspired to take part and contribute in a way that feels right for you, please reach out. Together, we have the power to make an impact.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We’re honored to walk beside you—and we’re here when you need us.