Once you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, talking to other breast cancer survivors can be valuable as you decide what treatment is best for you or if you have concerns about what is happening to you. You can also take comfort in the knowledge that a great many of us -- more than 2 million in the U.S. alone -- have survived this disease.

These women can give you candid information about their own experiences with physicians and the quality of care they received. Because breast cancer treatment protocols and options are always changing, it’s most helpful to talk with someone who’s been treated fairly recently.

Surgical treatments for breast cancer vary depending on the type and stage of disease. You’ll find that the experiences these women share with you will also vary based on the type of surgery they had, where they were treated, and who their doctor was. Do not expect the experience of someone at one breast center to mirror the experiences of patients at other centers.

The emotional aspects of this disease and its treatment cannot be overestimated.  Getting your emotional needs met during this time is a priority. If you find that previous patients you speak with describe unpleasant experiences with their surgery, then you might want to get more information before selecting the same doctor. You will also want to ask these former patients about the level of service they received from their health care team, such as how easily and quickly they were able to reach a health care professional after going home.

Some breast centers offer to match newly diagnosed patients to survivor volunteers who are especially trained for one-on-one support. Ask if that service is available at the place you are considering for your treatment.

Women’s experiences with this disease vary, but there’s nothing like hearing about them from someone who’s been where you are now.