When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills, while on any cancer treatment; New shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain; Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm (possible blood clot); Diarrhea that does not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down; New or severe headache, confusion, seizure, weakness, or vision changes; New back pain with numbness, weakness in the legs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop; A fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, or new swelling in your legs; Very high thirst and urination while on certain targeted pills (possible high blood sugar); Redness, warmth, or pus at a surgery site or port.

What chemotherapy plans are used for breast cancer?

Common treatment plans include AC and dose-dense AC, TC, TCHP, THP. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is many different diseases, and today there are more ways than ever to treat each one.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through breast cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What breast cancer is

Let's start with the basics. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast grow out of control. These cells can form a lump, called a tumor. Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or the milk glands. Men can get it too, but this is rare. Not all breast cancers are the same. Your doctors test the tumor to learn what makes it grow. Those results and the stage guide your plan. Many people with breast cancer go on to live full lives.

The main types

Now let's talk briefly about the types. Some breast cancers use the hormones estrogen or progesterone to grow. These are called hormone receptor positive. This is the most common type. Some make too much of a growth protein called HER2. Medicines that target it work well. Triple negative breast cancer has neither of these. It tends to grow faster. Some very early cancers stay inside the milk ducts. Doctors call this stage zero. Metastatic breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look at a lump. A breast MRI scan makes very detailed pictures. A needle biopsy takes small pieces of tissue. It is the only way to know for sure. During surgery, the first lymph nodes may be checked for cancer. Other scans can look for cancer outside the breast. A blood or saliva test can check for inherited gene changes. You can read more about each test in the guide.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how big the cancer is. It also tells if it has spread. Breast cancer uses stages zero to four. Stage zero stays inside the milk ducts. Stage four has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors also use tumor markers to fine tune the stage. So two people with the same size tumor can have different stages. Doctors use the stage to plan your treatment. It also helps your whole team speak the same language. Ask your care team to explain yours.

Tumor markers and gene tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Your tumor will be tested for certain markers. There are many different markers. Each one has a different role. Some show if hormone medicines will help. Some show if medicines that target HER2 will help. Some are inherited gene changes that can matter for your family. If the cancer spreads, a new biopsy is often done. Markers can change over time. Your doctor will tell you which ones you have and what they mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatments

Now let's talk about treatment. Surgery removes the tumor, or sometimes the whole breast. Radiation uses strong x-rays to kill cancer cells left behind. Hormone therapy blocks estrogen or lowers its level. Chemotherapy uses medicines that kill fast growing cells. Targeted medicines go after HER2 or other changes in the tumor. Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight the cancer. Some medicines also protect your bones. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team if one is right for you.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Feeling very tired is common. Light walking often helps. Some chemotherapy causes nausea. Take your anti-nausea medicine as prescribed, even before you feel sick. Hair loss can happen, but hair usually grows back. Chemotherapy can lower the cells that fight infection. A fever can be serious, so call right away. Hormone therapy can cause hot flashes and achy joints. Arm swelling can happen after lymph nodes are treated. A therapist can teach exercises that help. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well after treatment

Last, let's talk about living well. After treatment, you will have regular checkups. You will also have a mammogram each year. Exercise and limiting alcohol can help. If you take hormone pills, take them every day as planned. It is normal to feel worried or sad. Support groups and counselors can help you and your family. Call your care team right away for a fever during treatment. Call for new shortness of breath or chest pain. Call for a swollen, painful arm or leg. If it feels very bad, call 911. You can also visit our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you made it through. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time you are worried. You are not alone in this. I am glad we learned together.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills, while on any cancer treatment
New shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain
Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm (possible blood clot)
Diarrhea that does not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down
New or severe headache, confusion, seizure, weakness, or vision changes
New back pain with numbness, weakness in the legs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
Bleeding or bruising that will not stop
A fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, or new swelling in your legs
Very high thirst and urination while on certain targeted pills (possible high blood sugar)
Redness, warmth, or pus at a surgery site or port

Treatment plans (regimens)

Medicines often used

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is breast cancer?: Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast grow out of control. These cells can form a lump, called a tumor. Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or the milk glands (lobules). Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the US, other than skin cancer. Men can get it too, but this is rare.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills, while on any cancer treatment; New shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain; Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm (possible blood clot); Diarrhea that does not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down; New or severe headache, confusion, seizure, weakness, or vision changes; New back pain with numbness, weakness in the legs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop; A fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, or new swelling in your legs; Very high thirst and urination while on certain targeted pills (possible high blood sugar); Redness, warmth, or pus at a surgery site or port.
What chemotherapy plans are used for breast cancer?: Common treatment plans include AC and dose-dense AC, TC, TCHP, THP. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.