If your doctor has given you a diagnosis of breast cancer, there may be many things running through your mind. You may not have even considered asking him or her about certain things that will help you to better understand the disease, treatment options and your overall prognosis.

In the early stages of breast cancer you may not notice any symptoms at all. This is why an annual mammogram after age 40, or earlier if instructed by your physician, and monthly self-exams are very important. As the tumor develops, symptoms may begin to appear. While the actual symptoms that are experienced may be different with each individual patient, here are the most common symptoms:

With any cancer there are two different goals regarding treatment. The goals of treatment are to completely rid the body of cancer and to prevent the cancer from returning in the future. There are many different treatment options for those with breast cancer.

Survival rates for breast cancer patients are much higher today than ever before. Surviving the disease carries different emotions for different people. You may simply want to get back to your normal life, the one you had before your breast cancer diagnosis. Life after the disease does mark your return to your familiar life but it marks new choices that need to be made as well.