Having someone with you who can listen carefully or ask questions can be helpful.

Some specialists may record the consultation so that you have a tape to listen to again at home.

You will also be put in contact with a breast care nurse who will talk to you about your diagnosis and treatment.

When you have had time to take in the diagnosis you may want to contact the specialist or breast care nurse again to discuss what happens next.

Some emotions you may experience when diagnosed with breast cancer:

fright – unsure what the future holds
shock – a feeling of 'why me?'
anger – asking 'what have I done to deserve this?'
guilt – because you have cancer
disbelief – especially if you feel well and healthy
anxiety – about treatment and the future
sadness – because your life is changing.
You may feel you have to put on a brave face for your family and friends, even for the doctors and nurses looking after you.

Or you may welcome the chance to let your true feelings show, and draw strength and support from people close to you.

You can read more about how to tell family and friends from the link below.

You will probably want to learn everything you can about breast cancer and what it means - knowing all the options for treatment can help you to decide what to do next.

Or you may choose to leave it to your doctors to decide the best approach to your treatment.

Again, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.

What matters is that you have as much information as you need and feel comfortable with the decisions you have made.

Your medical team, family and friends need to know how you want to deal with things in order to support you in this process.

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