Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

Different services and information are needed at different points in breast health care and breast cancer treatment. Within "Navigating Your Path to Breast Care," you can choose the content that you feel is most applicable to you right now.

We see the information here as a starting point to help you begin to understand the range of terminology, procedures and treatments associated with breast care and breast cancer. With information such as this, we hope you will be more enabled to participate with your doctor in planning the best possible treatment – or that, as a friend or family member, you will be better able to support someone close to you who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Note: This information is intended as a resource to assist you in your dialogue with your doctor. It does not replace the expertise and clinical judgment of your doctor. Each patient's situation must be evaluated individually by a medical team. It is important to discuss all information regarding your breast health and treatment options with your doctor.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Basic Facts About Breast Health

Learn basic facts about breast health, including the development of breast cancer, its types and stages and guidelines from the American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer Glossary

Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

Self-Care and Recovery

Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients

After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored?" Learn more here.

Preparing for a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

Learn how to prepare for a lumpectomy or mastectomy, including restrictions before surgery, what to bring to the hospital and more.

Menopause and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body. Learn more here.

Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer

Women who have had breast cancer or are considered at high risk for developing breast cancer are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Learn more.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

The UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology have compiled information about radiation therapy for your convenience.

Taking Charge

Knowledge may lead you to take action to protect your health and that of other women you care about: your mother, daughters, relatives and friends. Learn more.

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Breast Care Center

UCSF-Health John Muir Cancer Center in Berkeley

See all 6 of our Bay Area locations and learn more about the center.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

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