Just diagnosed: your first two weeks

The short version

  • The first weeks after a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Most people have more tests, meet their breast care nurse, and then agree a treatment plan with their specialist team.1
  • In England, once you and your team have decided on treatment, it should usually start within 31 days.2
  • The time before treatment is a chance to get ready: moving more, eating well and looking after your mind can help you through treatment.3
A signpost with three directions: before treatment, during treatment and after treatment.

What usually happens next

  1. More tests. You may have scans (such as CT, MRI or PET) and blood tests. Tests on the biopsy look for certain proteins in the cancer cells, which help decide which treatments will work best.1
  2. Your specialist team meets. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists discusses your results and the treatment options.4
  3. You meet your breast care nurse. Usually called your clinical nurse specialist, they’ll be your main point of contact and give you a number to call with questions.1, 4
  4. You agree a treatment plan. Your specialists talk you through the options, and the plan is agreed with you.1

Read more: your breast cancer care team and common treatment pathways.

Small steps that help now

  • Write down your questions, and take someone with you to appointments. See questions to ask after a diagnosis.
  • Keep your breast care nurse’s number somewhere easy to find.
  • Start moving a little more, if you feel able to. Even short daily walks help you get ready for treatment. See preparing for treatment.
  • Eat regular meals, with protein at each one.
  • Look after your mind. Talk to people you trust, and try simple breathing exercises.
  • Ask about prehab. Ask your team whether there’s a prehabilitation programme. See how to ask for prehab on the NHS.

Understanding your diagnosis

Support right now

Prefer a guided plan?

A personalised prehabilitation programme can help you get stronger before treatment, with a plan built around your treatment dates, and coaching across exercise, nutrition, mind and sleep. See how digital prehab works or compare UK programmes.

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. NHS. Tests and next steps for breast cancer in women. www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/tests-and-next-steps-for-breast-cancer-in-women/
  2. Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. National cancer waiting time standards. www.cht.nhs.uk/services/clinical-services/oncology/information-support/national-standards
  3. Macmillan Cancer Support, Royal College of Anaesthetists and NIHR Cancer and Nutrition Collaboration. Principles and guidance for prehabilitation within the management and support of people with cancer. 2019, updated November 2020. www.macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/news-and-resources/guides/principles-and-guidance-for-prehabilitation
  4. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. An introduction to the MDT for breast cancer. www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/An-introduction-to-the-MDT-for-breast-cancer.pdf
  5. Breast Cancer Now. Call our helpline. breastcancernow.org/support-for-you/call-our-helpline