Breast cancer treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you can explore your options through a Maple Oncology Navigator. The navigator is a licensed physician who can give you a second opinion on breast cancer treatment options, and more information on clinical trials. Find out more about seeing an Oncology Navigator here.

Yes, prescriptions can be given at the discretion of our general practitioners. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Breast cancer is a disease where the cells in the breast tissue multiply uncontrollably. This usually results in the formation of a tumor, though not all breast cancers do.

Breast cancer symptoms vary depending on the stage of cancer. Early symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Change in the breast shape or size
• Persistent pain in any part of the breast
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Lumps in the breast or underarm
• Skin changes like colour changes, redness, or swelling
• Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples

There are both genetic and environmental causes for breast cancer:

• A history of breast cancer (having breast cancer once increases the likelihood that it will return)
• Dense breasts
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Being a woman over 50; (note: it’s a myth that men can’t get breast cancer! They’re less likely to be diagnosed with the illness, but it is possible.)
• Having blood relatives with a history of cancer, including both breast cancer and other types of cancer
• Carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2, which are genes that increase the likelihood of breast cancer
• Radiation treatment, for breast cancer or other illnesses, before 30 years of age
• Hormone replacement therapy

There are several tests that a doctor can use to reach a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer screening tests include:

• Mammograms: an x-ray of the breast
• Breast biopsy: a small tissue sample is taken from the breast with a needle and examined under a microscope
• Ultrasound
• MRI

Methods of breast cancer treatment vary by stage. Stages of breast cancer range from stage 0 to stage 4. Treatment for stage 0-3 includes surgery, where the cancerous tissue is removed, or a mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed. Stage 4 breast cancer is treated with systemic drug therapy, like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and other targeted drugs.

• Stage 0: non-invasive cancer that is usually inside the breast’s milk duct but hasn’t spread to the rest of the breast tissue. This is called Ductal Carcinoma.
• Stage 1: at this stage, breast cancer is still fairly small, with a chance that is has spread to the sentinel lymph node (a common occurrence)
• Stage 2: at this stage, the cancer is similar to stage one, but is larger and has likely spread to lymph nodes
• Stage 3: at this stage, tumors are large and are making contact with skin or muscle around the breast, and may have also spread to the lymph nodes
• Stage 4: the cancer spreads beyond the breast and invades other parts of the body at this stage.

A breast cyst is a fluid filled sac in the breast tissue that is usually not cancerous. Cysts can vary in size, and often become larger and more sensitive prior to and during the menstrual cycle. It’s common to have more than one cyst, and there isn’t any need for medical attention unless the cysts are painful. In that case, they can be drained.

Breast cancer is a disease where the cells in breast tissue multiply uncontrollably. This usually results in the formation of a tumor, though not all breast cancer does. Cancer can spread throughout the body, and requires immediate attention.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Membership is $85/month. One membership, care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Paediatric care: covered paediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with leading experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.