I CAN. WE WILL.

How does the breast cancer patient’s journey look like?¹

Each breast cancer patient’s journey is unique. Here’s what you may expect:

Diagnosis

Usually involving a series of tests and results, this phase is described as an ‘emotional whirlwind’ – a time of great uncertainty and fear. It is at this phase when you contemplate how your situation may affect your family and how to organize it as much as possible.

Treatment Options


	Surgery Surgery comes not only with feelings of uncertainty and fear but also of a feeling of loss, as the breast is regarded as an intimate, feminine part of the body.	Chemotherapy Chemotherapy may be associated with many side effects, including physical discomfort, hair loss, weight fluctuation, and reduced libido – which contribute to the loss of femininity and identity.	Radiotherapy By the time they reach what is considered the “last treatment”, patients already feel physically exhausted from previous treatments, which may get worse with radiation therapy.

Surgery
Surgery comes not only with feelings of uncertainty and fear but also of a feeling of loss, as the breast is regarded as an intimate, feminine part of the body.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be associated with many side effects, including physical discomfort, hair loss, weight fluctuation, and reduced libido – which contribute to the loss of femininity and identity.

Radiotherapy
By the time they reach what is considered the “last treatment”, patients already feel physically exhausted from previous treatments, which may get worse with radiation therapy.

Important Note: Every cancer journey is unique. Patients may receive one type of treatment or a combination of treatments, depending on their specific medical condition and diagnosis. The information shown here is a general overview for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare team.

3	Follow-up Care

Patients need time as they try to establish their ‘new normal’, rebuild relationships, or return to work. Many women continue to feel anxious and worry about recurrence. On the other hand, many feel empowered at this point to help other breast cancer patients.

Recurrence


	Relapse While not every patient diagnosed with TNBC will suffer a relapse, should you suffer a relapse, the emotional impact of the diagnosis of relapse is like that of the initial diagnosis. Other emotions may emerge, such as why me, blame, disbelief, etc.	Metastasis While at present, metatastic TNBC is presently incurable, it is natural to feel shock and be fearful of death. However, there exists many treatment options which can help you manage your condition.	Metastasis While at present, metatastic TNBC is presently incurable, it is natural to feel shock and be fearful of death. However, there exists many treatment options which can help you manage your condition.

Relapse
While not every patient diagnosed with TNBC will suffer a relapse, should you suffer a relapse, the emotional impact of the diagnosis of relapse is like that of the initial diagnosis. Other emotions may emerge, such as why me, blame, disbelief, etc.

Metastasis
While at present, metatastic TNBC is presently incurable, it is natural to feel shock and be fearful of death. However, there exists many treatment options which can help you manage your condition.

Important Note: In some cases, cancer may relapse or spread to other parts of the body. Because every patient’s condition is different, subsequent treatments and care plans are highly individualized. This section serves as a general guide to what may happen next and should not be taken as a specific medical advice. Always consult your oncology team for advice tailored to your situation.

Adapted from Ciria-Suarez L, et al. Breast cancer patient experiences through a journey map: A qualitative study. PLoS One. 2021;16(9):e0257680.

Treatment of TNBC

Treatment
of TNBC

Treatment of TNBC

Treatmentof TNBC

Treatment
of TNBC