Understanding Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease that starts in the cells of the breast. Sometimes it grows slowly, and sometimes it grows faster. If it is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, like the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. This is called metastasis.

Symptoms to Watch For

You should watch for changes in your body and call your doctor if you notice:

Unusual bleeding or discharge from the breast
Lumps, swelling, or persistent pain in the breast or underarm
Fever, infections, or sudden changes in appetite or weight
Shortness of breath, coughing, or stomach problems

Tip: Keep a simple daily log of your symptoms to share with your nurse or doctor.

Treatment Overview

Common treatments for breast cancer include:

Surgery – removing cancer from the breast
Chemotherapy – medicines that kill cancer cells
Radiation – using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy – medicines that help your body fight cancer

Possible side effects:

Feeling tired or weak
Nausea or vomiting
Mouth sores or skin changes
Hair loss

Home tips:

Take medicines exactly as prescribed
Wash hands often and avoid sick people if your immune system is low

Nutrition and Hydration

Eat foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories to help your body heal
Eat small, frequent meals if you feel nauseated or have little appetite
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness

Activity and Safety

Gentle exercises like walking or stretching are helpful
Rest when you feel tired
Be careful to avoid falls, especially if you feel weak or dizzy

Infection Prevention

Wash hands often
Avoid crowds or sick people if your immune system is weak
Watch for signs of infection: fever, redness, swelling
Contact your doctor right away if you notice these signs

Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling scared, sad, or worried is normal
Ask for help from counselors, support groups, or spiritual advisors
Talk openly with your family or caregivers about how you feel

Follow-Up and Self-Care

Go to all your doctor appointments, lab tests, and scans
Perform self-exams if recommended by your doctor
Watch for urgent signs: sudden swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or heavy bleeding

When to Call vs. Go to the ER

Call your home health nurse or doctor if you notice mild symptoms or side effects that you can manage at home
Go to the ER immediately for severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing, or sudden chest pain

Patient Empowerment

Keep a simple written guide of your care plan
Ask questions like: “What changes should I call my nurse about?”
Reliable resources:
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute

PATIENT HOMEWORK/Assessment

Breast Cancer True/False Quiz

True or False: Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast.
True or False: Breast cancer can never spread to other parts of the body.
True or False: Metastasis means cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
True or False: Only women can get breast cancer.
True or False: A lump, swelling, or persistent pain in the breast is a symptom to watch for.
True or False: Fever or signs of infection are not related to breast cancer and can be ignored.
True or False: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medicine to kill cancer cells.
True or False: Surgery cannot be used to remove breast cancer.
True or False: Hair loss can be a side effect of breast cancer treatment.
True or False: Eating foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories can help the body recover.
True or False: Drinking water is not important for breast cancer patients.
True or False: Gentle exercise, like walking, is encouraged if you feel able.
True or False: You should avoid crowds if your immune system is weak.
True or False: Redness, swelling, or fever are signs of infection that should be reported to a doctor.
True or False: Feeling scared, sad, or worried about breast cancer is normal.
True or False: You do not need to attend follow-up appointments or scans once treatment starts.
True or False: Performing self-exams is recommended if your doctor says it is safe.
True or False: Sudden chest pain or heavy bleeding is an emergency and you should go to the ER.
True or False: Patients should never ask questions about their care plan or symptoms.
True or False: Reliable resources for learning more about breast cancer include the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Breast cancer begins in the breast cells, usually in the ducts or lobules.
False – Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
True – Metastasis means cancer cells have moved to other areas like bones, liver, or lungs.
False – Men can also get breast cancer, although it is less common.
True – Lumps, swelling, or pain in the breast or underarm are warning signs.
False – Fever or infections can be serious for patients, especially if immune system is low.
True – Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill cancer cells.
False – Surgery is commonly used to remove cancer from the breast.
True – Hair loss can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.
True – Proper nutrition supports healing and recovery.
False – Staying hydrated is very important for overall health and recovery.
True – Gentle activity helps maintain strength and circulation.
True – Avoiding crowds reduces the risk of infections when immunity is low.
True – Redness, swelling, and fever may indicate infection and need medical attention.
True – Emotional reactions are normal; support is important.
False – Regular follow-up appointments and scans are critical for monitoring health.
True – Self-exams can help detect changes early if approved by your doctor.
True – These are urgent symptoms and need immediate medical care.
False – Patients should ask questions to understand their care and prevent complications.
True – The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute are trusted resources.