Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer: Treatment

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. There are many different types of breast cancer, and the treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is the removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. Mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy can also be used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a type of treatment that uses hormones to block the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is often used to treat breast cancer that is hormone-receptor positive. Hormone therapy can be given in pill form or as an injection.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is often used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for Recurrent Breast Cancer

If breast cancer recurs, there are a number of treatment options available. The type of treatment depends on the location of the recurrence, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer

If breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is considered advanced breast cancer. There is no cure for advanced breast cancer, but there are a number of treatments that can help to control the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments for breast cancer. Clinical trials are a good way to get access to new treatments that may not be available otherwise.

Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment can cause a number of side effects. The side effects of treatment depend on the type of treatment, the dose of treatment, and the patient’s overall health. Some common side effects of breast cancer treatment include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Skin irritation
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping

Coping with Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment can be a difficult time, but there are a number of things that patients can do to cope with the challenges of treatment. These include:

• Getting support from family and friends
• Joining a support group
• Talking to a therapist
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep

Surviving Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that there are many survivors. With the right treatment and support, patients can live long and full lives after breast cancer.

Resources for Breast Cancer Patients

• American Cancer Society: 1-800-227-2345
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure: 1-877-465-6636
• National Breast Cancer Foundation: 1-800-753-9583