Our sponsors empower RFTC Japan’s mission to eradicate breast cancer through vital awareness and education. Their active participation and generous donations are essential to our work and saving lives.
Hana-me offers free seminars with lectures and hands-on workshops. Master self-exams and dispel myths to empower your health through early breast cancer detection.
Run For The Cure Foundation (RFTC) Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer education, early detection, and compassionate support.
Bringing questions to your medical appointments can help you feel informed, prepared, and confident about your care. In Japan, consultations may be brief, so writing questions in advance—and bringing them with you—can be especially helpful.
You may not need to ask everything at once. Choose the questions that matter most to you right now.
About My Diagnosis
Can you explain my diagnosis in simple terms?
What stage and type of breast cancer (or DCIS) do I have?
Is my cancer hormone-receptor positive or HER2-positive?
What does this mean for my treatment and long-term outlook?
About Treatment Options
What treatment options are recommended in Japan for my condition?
Are there alternatives, and what are the benefits and risks of each?
Will I need radiation therapy? If so, why?
Will I need hormone therapy? For how long?
Will I need chemotherapy? Why or why not?
About Surgery
What type of surgery do you recommend, and why?
Is breast-conserving surgery an option for me?
How long will I be in the hospital?
Will lymph nodes be checked or removed?
What side effects or limitations should I expect after surgery?
Is reconstruction available, and when would it be done?
About Side Effects and Recovery
What short-term side effects should I expect?
Are there long-term effects I should be aware of?
How can side effects be managed?
When can I return to work, exercise, or daily activities?
Who should I contact if I have problems after hours?
About Follow-Up Care
How often will I have follow-up appointments?
What tests or imaging will I need, and how often?
What symptoms should I report right away?
How long will follow-up care continue?
About Daily Life in Japan
Can I continue working during treatment?
Can you provide a medical certificate for my employer (if needed)?
Are there dietary or lifestyle recommendations specific to recovery?
Is it safe to travel or use public transportation during treatment?
About Emotional and Practical Support
Are breast care nurses or patient navigators available?
Are there counseling or support group options in Japan?
Where can I find reliable information in Japanese?
Is support available for family members or caregivers?
About Costs and Insurance
Is this treatment covered by Japan’s public health insurance?
Are there additional out-of-pocket costs I should expect?
Are there financial assistance programs I should know about?
About the Future
What is my long-term outlook?
How can I reduce my risk of recurrence?
What does survivorship care look like in Japan?
Who will coordinate my care over the long term?
Will this affect future breast screening?
Usually, no.
Most people continue with standard screening. However, some may have more frequent imaging depending on the condition, especially in the first few years.
What can I do to take care of my breast health?
Attend scheduled screenings and follow-ups
Be familiar with how your breasts normally feel
Report changes promptly
Ask questions—having a clear understanding is part of good care
A Helpful Tip for Appointments in Japan
Many patients find it useful to: • Bring a written list of questions • Take notes or bring a support person • Ask for clarification if something is unclear—it’s okay to ask again
A Closing Message
There are no “wrong” questions.
Your health care team in Japan is there to support not only your treatment, but also your understanding, comfort, and peace of mind.
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