Navigating Breast Cancer: A CancerMap Pathway Guide
This CancerMap pathway guide outlines common phases of the breast cancer experience, recommendations from people that have experienced breast cancer as well as healthcare providers for how to navigate this experience. It also contains links to resources that relevant to understanding this experience. People do not always move through these each phase of the breast cancer experience in the same way or order.
From discovery to treatment and beyond, breast cancer often unfolds in phases. Initially, a person may notice a concerning finding in the breast or armpit or other symptom somewhere else in the body. Other times, something concerning is identified on a test like a screening mammogram. This usually leads to determining whether a cancer is present and learning more about it. After that, a treatment plan is developed, followed by recovery or adapting to life with advanced disease. Throughout these phases, those affected by the cancer diagnosis, including the individual with the diagnosis and their friends and family, will be affected in different ways and need different types of information.
What happens at each phase is unique to each person. Not everyone experiences each phase of cancer care the same way. Peoples experiences are dependent on their own personal experiences, the other aspects of their lives, the nature of the breast cancer itself, and the treatment that is tried. Some common ways that the care pathway may differ include:
The pathway map below shows common phases of breast cancer care. You click learn more at the bottom of any phase to learn more about it, including what is commonly involved and get tips on how to better navigate it.
How to use this pathway map:
Phase 1:
Signs and Symptoms
You may be here if:
What's happening :
You are taking steps to understand symptoms or screening test findings.
Common questions:
Phase 2:
Diagnosis
You may be here if:
What's happening :
You are having tests to understand what may be causing symptoms or abnormal findings.
Common questions:
Phase 3:
Staging
You may be here if:
What's happening :
You are learning more about the cancer, including its type, characteristics, and whether it has spread.
Common questions:
Phase 4 and 5:
Treatment and Beyond
Diagnosis and staging help healthcare professionals understand what treatment goals are possible.
For some people, treatment is aimed at curing the cancer - at CancerMaps we call this curative intent. For others, treatment focuses on controlling cancer, managing symptoms, prolonging life, and supporting quality of life - we use the term non-curative intent.
Not every pathway applies to every person, and pathways may change over time.
Explore the sections below to learn more.
Curative Intent
Phase 4: Treatment
You may be here if:
What's happening :
You are considering or have started a treatment plan that includes surgery to move the cancer in the breast.
Common questions:
Phase 5: Surveillance
You may be here if:
What's happening :
You are being monitored for signs of recurrence while recovering and returning to life after treatment.
Common questions:
Non-Curative Intent
Phase 4: Treatment
You may be here if:
What's happening :
Treatment is focused on controlling the cancer and supporting health and quality of life over time.
Common questions:
Phase 5: Supportive & Palliative Care
You may be here if:
What's happening:
You are receiving support to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and plan for changing needs over time.
Common questions:
A breast cancer diagnosis, and the experience that follows, is seldom viewed as a positive thing. But being prepared and taking steps to cope in healthy ways will help you get through it as best you can. The following sections include tips and advice from people that have been in your shoes as well as from healthcare professionals to help you navigate your first appointment. After you have reviewed the content below, check out the "Quick Reference Guide" at the top of the page for a handy checklist to help get you ready for this important meeting.
Pending...
Bring someone with you when possible or have someone join on speakerphone. Appointments can feel overwhelming. Having a trusted person attend appointments, take notes, or help remember information can be helpful. If someone can't be with you in person, ask if you can have someone join the appointment on speakerphone and use your cellphone to call them.
Pay attention to how you are coping. Strong emotions, uncertainty, sleep changes, and stress are common. Let your healthcare team know if you are struggling and if there is something that can be done to better support you.
Find a way to record important conversations with healthcare providers. Medical appointments can be stressful and often a lot of information gets shared rapidly. Recording the conversation on smart device can be a good way to make sure nothing gets missed. This is especially helpful if you are attending an appointment alone and being given important information. Make sure to ask permission before recording anyone, many healthcare professionals will be okay with it if you explain why you are doing it.
Find time for the things you enjoy. Whether you are navigating a personal breast cancer diagnosis or supporting someone that is experiencing breast cancer, it can be overwhelming. Try to make time to just focus on things that aren't related to cancer - watch a movie, go outside for a walk, plan a trip, or phone a friend to talk about anything else - taking a break will help you have the emotional reserve you need to cope with the ups and downs of the cancer journey.
Trusted Resources on This Topic
Working with your healthcare team - Content from the Canadian Cancer Society
What can I do BEFORE my first appointment with the oncologist? - Content from OncoLink/University of Pennsylvania
Making the Most of Your First Appointment with Your Oncologist - Content from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Related Topics You May Be Wondering About
Cancer and Work - Content from McGill University, Montreal Canada
Understanding Your Lab Test Results - Content from the American Cancer Society
Coping With Anxiety and Stress - Content from the Canadian Cancer Society
Research Related to This Topic
Educational resources can help you understand the cancer journey. People can help you navigate it. While online resources can be valuable, sometimes the most helpful support comes from another person.
Your healthcare team is often a good place to start. Many communities also offer cancer navigators, counsellors, peer supporters, and other services that can provide guidance, support, and practical assistance.
Explore the CancerMaps Real-People Resources Directory to find organizations that can connect you with navigators, counsellors, peer supporters, and other people who can help.
First Published: June 8, 2026
Initial Development: Content based on a data collected and analyzed as part of the CancerMaps research project. Iteratively reviewed with study participants until content and study results finalized.
Date Reviewed: No formal review/update has take place to date.
Click here for more information about the CancerMaps project, findings, and how to use the CancerMaps format.