Breast cancer treatment has come a long way, and today, many women diagnosed with breast cancer can look forward to effective recovery and long-term survival. Understanding how breast cancer is treated helps patients and their families feel more prepared and confident in the journey ahead. Treatment plans are personalized based on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer, as well as individual health and preferences. This guide breaks down the main types of breast cancer treatment and what patients can expect at each stage.
Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
Before any treatment begins, doctors perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.
Tests and evaluations typically include:
- Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs to assess the tumor size and spread
- Biopsy to analyze cancer cells and confirm the diagnosis
- Hormone receptor and HER2 testing to guide targeted treatments
- Blood tests and scans to check overall health and cancer stage
Why it matters:
- Determines the stage of breast cancer (0 to IV)
- Helps plan the sequence and combination of treatments
Surgery Options for Breast Cancer
Surgery is often the first line of treatment to remove the tumor from the breast.
Types of breast cancer surgery include:
- Lumpectomy: Removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue
- Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast, sometimes including nearby lymph nodes
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Identifies and removes the first lymph node(s) likely to be affected
- Axillary lymph node dissection: Removes more lymph nodes if cancer has spread
Post-surgical considerations:
- Some women may choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery
- Recovery time depends on the extent of surgery performed
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy remaining cancer cells in the breast area.
When it is recommended:
- After a lumpectomy to prevent recurrence
- After mastectomy, especially if cancer was large or involved lymph nodes
- To treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
Types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation: Most common form delivered over several weeks
- Brachytherapy: Internal radiation, sometimes used for early-stage cancer
Possible side effects:
- Skin irritation, fatigue, swelling
- Typically subside after treatment ends
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells.
When chemotherapy is used:
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors
- After surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk
- For advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Common chemotherapy drugs:
- Doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, docetaxel
Side effects to expect:
- Nausea, hair loss, fatigue, increased infection risk
- Managed through medications and support therapies
Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy)
For hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, hormone therapy can block the cancer’s fuel source.
Types of hormone therapy include:
- Tamoxifen: Blocks estrogen receptors, used in premenopausal and postmenopausal women
- Aromatase inhibitors: Lower estrogen levels in postmenopausal women
- Ovarian suppression: Shuts down estrogen production in the ovaries
Duration:
- Often prescribed for 5 to 10 years after initial treatment
Common side effects:
- Hot flashes, mood swings, joint pain
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy attacks specific characteristics of cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
HER2-positive breast cancer:
- Treated with drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab, and others
Other targeted therapies include:
- CDK4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations
Advantages:
- Less harmful to healthy cells compared to chemotherapy
- Often combined with other treatments for better results
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
When it’s used:
- Most effective in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
- Combined with chemotherapy in certain advanced cases
Common immunotherapy drugs:
- Atezolizumab, pembrolizumab
Potential side effects:
- Fatigue, rash, flu-like symptoms, inflammation
Integrative and Supportive Care
Along with medical treatments, many patients benefit from supportive therapies.
Supportive care options include:
- Nutrition counseling to maintain strength during treatment
- Physical therapy to regain mobility post-surgery
- Mental health counseling to address anxiety and depression
- Palliative care for managing pain and side effects
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Once active treatment ends, regular monitoring ensures ongoing health.
Typical follow-up schedule:
- Check-ups every 3-6 months for the first 3 years
- Annual mammograms if breast tissue remains
- Blood tests or imaging if symptoms arise
Watch for signs of recurrence:
- New lumps, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue
Final Thoughts: Personalized Treatment Plans Work Best
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how breast cancer is treated. Every patient’s journey is unique. From surgery to chemotherapy and from hormone therapy to immunotherapy, treatment is tailored based on the type and stage of cancer. Work closely with your oncology team to understand your options and make decisions that support your recovery and well-being.
Have questions about your breast cancer treatment options? Contact our cancer care team or call 08866843843 for expert guidance.
References:
- National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov
- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer