How Long After Diagnosis Should I Receive Breast Cancer Treatment?

If you’ve recently received a diagnosis of breast cancer, getting treatment is likely the first thing on your mind. In general, the sooner you can receive treatment, the better. However, this does not mean you need to rush into treatment the same day you receive a diagnosis. Your physician may recommend receiving treatment within a month or two of the diagnosis. Before receiving treatment, though, there may be additional tests or consultations that are necessary.

Some considerations before scheduling your breast cancer treatment

Following a diagnosis but before scheduling your breast cancer treatment, you may need to allow time for:

• A second opinion – If you have any concerns or doubts about your diagnosis, getting a second opinion may provide you with some additional insights. Having another physician take a look at your results may provide more reassurance about which breast cancer treatment options are most appropriate for you.
• Lab results to come in – If a follow-up test is necessary, it’s worth waiting for the results to come in before jumping into treatment. In many cases, the lab tests will require important information in determining which types of breast cancer treatment may be best.
• A treatment plan to be developed – Treating breast cancer requires complex decision making that takes into account a multitude of factors unique to the patient. Creating a breast cancer treatment plan requires experienced physicians to assess all of the available information and determine which treatment approaches would be most effective.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, the breast cancer experts that make up our Don & Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program collaborate regularly as a tumor board. This multispecialty team ensures that you will receive individual attention and the best possible treatment plan. If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like a second opinion or are interested in receiving breast cancer treatment at Moffitt, fill out a new patient registration form or call 1-888-663-3488 to schedule an appointment.