Where can I find emotional and psychological support?
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed with questions and emotions and it’s not unusual to feel alone or lost by the whole process. In addition to your family and friends, you may find it helpful to have counselling, join a support group or connect online via patient forums.2,22 Breast cancer charities may also help by introducing you to a ‘buddy’ who has already been on their own breast cancer journey.2
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Will breast cancer treatment affect my fertility?
Depending on the therapy received, fertility may be temporarily or permanently affected by breast cancer treatment.23 Hormone therapy tends to stop periods or make them irregular, however, this is usually temporary and many women find their cycle returns to normal following treatment.23 Similarly, chemotherapy can temporarily halt or impact period regularity, however, it may also cause damage to the ovaries.23,24 It’s important for both men and women to discuss their feelings about family planning prior to starting breast cancer treatment.24 If appropriate, you may be referred to a fertility specialist to discuss options for preserving your fertility.2
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