An exact timeline from screening through diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is difficult to pinpoint due to the many variables affecting each woman's circumstances. Once a diagnosis is made, appointments, surgery and consultations can generally be scheduled within one or two weeks.
Following is the general process a patient may expect from diagnosis to treatment:
Step One: Screening mammogram and review by radiologist.
Step Two: A patient may be called back for additional mammogram views. Generally, this is done as a precaution and often does not lead to a biopsy recommendation. Patients should be able to schedule an appointment within a week of the notification.
Step Three: If a breast biopsy is recommended by the radiologist, it can be done in a number of ways and options should be discussed with the radiologist and the primary care physician. A biopsy is typically scheduled within a few days.
Step Four: Results from a breast biopsy will take between 3-5 business days. A surgeon or radiologist will discuss the results with the patient.
If a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, the following decisions will need to be made:
Type of surgery
- Lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy
- Mastectomy
Other treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
Once a diagnosis is made, appointments should be made with the following providers:
- The Center for Breast Care Coordinator
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- General surgeon
- Plastic surgeon
- A patient may also have to make appointments for a breast MRI, CT scan, bone scan and/or chest x-ray.
The following is a guideline for treatment once cancer has been diagnosed:
Step One: Surgery to remove the cancer
Step Two: Chemotherapy, if needed, begins 2-3 weeks after surgery
Step Three: Radiation therapy, if needed, begins 2-3 weeks after chemotherapy ends
Step Four: Hormone therapy, if needed, begins when all other treatment is finished
Step Five: Ongoing follow-up visits will be determined by your physicians