A place to start

Newly diagnosed with
breast cancer?

You do not have to take everything in today. Start with what happens next, choose the questions that matter to you, and find someone to talk to.

For now, focus on three things

Keep the contact details for your breast care team somewhere easy to find.
Check when your next appointment or results discussion will be.
Write down a few questions, or ask someone you trust to join you.

General information from Breast Cancer Charity, managed by World Aid Network. Your specialist team can explain what applies to you.

Understand the next conversation

What happens after a diagnosis?

Your specialists bring together your test results to discuss a plan with you. Some results may still be pending, and you may need further tests. Ask what the next test is for and when you will hear back.

Your treatment will depend on factors including the type of cancer, its size and spread, and your health. Your care team should explain the available options and support you in decisions. You do not need to understand every medical term before asking for an explanation.

NHS: tests and next steps · NHS: treatment and your care team

If you have been told the cancer is secondary or metastatic: some of your questions and treatment aims will be different. Our secondary breast cancer guide is a more relevant starting point.

Make the appointment your own

Questions for your breast care team

Pick the questions you want to take to your appointment. You can ask for a pause, a written explanation or more time to talk. This is a conversation aid, not a treatment recommendation.

What type of breast cancer do I have, and what do my results mean?What are the stage, grade and hormone-receptor or HER2 results? Are any results still pending?Do I need any more tests, and when and how will I get the results?What is the aim of the treatment you recommend, and what are my other options?What are the likely benefits, side effects and uncertainties for me?Are any clinical trials relevant to me, and how would they compare with usual care?How can I ask for a second opinion, and would it affect the timing of my care?When might treatment start, and who should I contact if I have not heard?Could treatment affect fertility or menopause, and do we need to discuss this before it starts?Should I change any medicines, supplements, work or everyday activities?Who is my named breast care nurse, and what number should I use out of hours?Which symptoms or side effects need urgent help, and what should I do if they happen?Can I have a written summary, an interpreter or another appointment to talk things through?Where can I get help with money, travel, childcare, relationships or how I am feeling?

Your selections stay on this page, are not sent to us and clear when you reload. You can also print this page from your browser.

Prepared by Breast Cancer Charity, managed by World Aid Network. General information; your care team can advise on your circumstances.
breastcancer-charity.org/newly-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/ · Sources checked 8 September 2026

Things to raise before treatment starts

Fertility and future family plans

If having children in the future matters to you, raise this before treatment starts. Some decisions need to be made early, and your team can discuss a specialist referral.

Fertility preservation and questions to ask →

Medicines and your everyday health

Bring a list of medicines, vitamins and supplements, and tell your team about other conditions. Ask for advice before stopping medicines or adding supplements.

Understanding treatment →

Family, children and practical help

Think about who could help with appointments, meals, transport or caring responsibilities. Specialist information can help you plan conversations with children.

Breast Cancer Now: talking with children ↗

Money, work and emotional support

Tell your nurse about worries beyond treatment. Ask about financial advice, local services, counselling and support that suits your language or access needs.

Find practical and emotional support →

When treatment begins: keep your treatment team’s urgent contact number and follow their advice about symptoms and side effects. Contact them about concerns rather than waiting for your next appointment. For a life-threatening emergency in the UK, call 999.

Only what is useful to you

Choose what to read next

Understand your diagnosis

Types of breast cancer, stages, grades and what your results can tell your team.

Explore treatment

Read an overview first, then the information that fits the plan you discuss with your team.

Manage day-to-day changes

Information to help you talk about side effects and everyday life during treatment.

Find information that fits you

Your age, diagnosis and personal circumstances can change the questions you want to ask.

Browse the full breast health library →

You can talk things through

These independent organisations offer free UK support for people affected by cancer. They also welcome family and friends. Your own breast care team remains the contact for your individual treatment.

Breast Cancer Now

Breast care nurses and specialist support.
Usually Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm; Saturday, 9am–1pm.

0808 800 6000 Check current hours and contact options ↗

Macmillan Cancer Support

Emotional, practical and financial support.
Support Line: 8am–8pm, seven days a week.

0808 808 00 00 Check current hours and specialist services ↗

Questions you may have today

I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Where do I start?

Start with your next appointment and the contact details for your breast care team. Ask which results are available, what is still being checked and who can explain the plan. Choose a few questions from the checklist on this page; you do not have to read every guide at once.

Will I need every treatment listed on this website?

No. Treatment depends on your cancer and your circumstances. Your specialist team will discuss suitable options, their benefits and possible side effects with you. A general website cannot choose an individual treatment plan.

Does a survival statistic tell me what will happen to me?

No. A statistic describes a group of people and cannot predict one person’s outcome. Ask your specialist which information is relevant to your diagnosis, and let them know if reading statistics is making you more anxious.

Can World Aid Network arrange my NHS care?

Breast Cancer Charity is a campaign managed by World Aid Network. We publish information and link to independent support services; your NHS breast care team arranges and advises on your clinical care.

Newly diagnosed with breast cancer?