The tests used to check for an advanced breast cancer diagnosis

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Understanding my test results

Understanding my test results
Suggested questions to ask following diagnosis

How is ABC diagnosed?

Diagnosis of ABC can be complex, requiring tests and investigations that will take time. If you have any new symptoms, or you or your doctor have concerns about ABC, your doctor will recommend an individualised approach, depending on what these new signs are.

Tests could include

Blood tests

A full blood count may be taken to make sure your bone marrow is working well.
A blood test may be used to analyse your kidney and liver function and the levels of minerals, such as potassium and calcium, in your blood. An increased level of these minerals alone may suggest an abnormality but on its own is not enough to diagnose that your cancer has spread.

Bone scans and/or x-rays of specific bones

A bone scan is a test used to diagnose a number of bone conditions including bone metastases. You are given an injection of a very small amount of radioisotope or “dye”, followed by a scan a couple of hours later.
The benefit of a bone scan is that you can see every bone in the body in one go and areas of cancer will be highlighted.
A simple x-ray may be used to view just one or more specific bones of concern.

MRI, CT and PET scans

An MRI scan uses magnetic fields (not x-ray) to gain a detailed view of an area of concern.
A CT scan is similar to an MRI but instead uses a series of x-rays to produce detailed pictures of organs and other internal body structures.
A PET scan is a more detailed/sensitive scan that uses a radioactive tracer to look at how organs and tissues inside your body are functioning. It can pick up changes related to breast cancer sooner than a CT/ MRI.

An ultrasound scan

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to form pictures and images of soft tissues, such as organs and blood vessels.
It can also look for a collection of fluid in the body such as between the thin membranes that line the lungs, known as a pleural effusion, or in the abdomen, known as ascites.

Biopsy

This is where a very small sample of tissue is taken by the doctor and examined under a microscope.
It is usually taken with a fine needle under a local anaesthetic.
New Zealand’s ABC guidelines recommend a repeat biopsy even if you had one when you were first diagnosed with breast cancer. This is because the hormone receptor status of the cancer can change, which affects whether or not hormone blocking treatment can be used.

Bronchoscopy

If you have a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, a bronchoscopy allows the doctor to look inside your lungs and airways using a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end.
A biopsy can also be performed during this procedure if needed.

Understanding my test results

It is always a good idea to take a support person to your appointments, who can be an extra set of ears, ask questions on your behalf and take notes while you listen. If you cannot have someone present with you on the day, or your whānau live far away, you could always ask them to join the consultation virtually (by phone or FaceTime).

Ask your doctor how you will receive your test results. Sometimes they will be posted by your GP on your online health portal, such as Manage My Health, or sent directly to you.

It is a good idea to make an appointment with your GP so they can explain the results and answer your questions, as it can be difficult to look through medical terms and jargon by yourself.

Searching what test results mean on the internet can be useful but may reveal information that is not relevant to you, causing unnecessary distress. Always be mindful of the source of information and check whether it is reliable.

Waiting for test results and specialist appointments can also be very difficult for you and your whānau. It is important to seek support from family or friends at this time. Contact our team of nurses for free support and advice.

Even if it may seem difficult, try to take some time out of each day to care for yourself. This can be in the form of gentle exercise, relaxation techniques or even keeping a diary. Some people use this time to write down questions to ask their medical team. Keep a notebook handy or jot the questions down on your phone as they pop into your head.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Breast cancer

Tests and diagnosis for advanced breast cancer

How is ABC diagnosed?

Tests could include

Understanding my test results

Suggested questions to ask following diagnosis