How is breast cancer treated?
The treatment of breast cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and personal preferences. The main treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and supportive care.
1. Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for most types of breast cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on the stage of the cancer and may involve:
- Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy: This procedure removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue.
- Mastectomy: This procedure removes the entire breast.
- Lymph node removal: This procedure removes lymph nodes in the armpit or near the breast to check for cancer cells.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often used for specific types of breast cancer, such as those that are HER2-positive or hormone receptor-positive.
5. Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is a type of treatment that blocks the effects of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is often used after surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
6. Supportive care: Supportive care is an important part of breast cancer treatment and includes measures to manage side effects of treatment, provide emotional support, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
It's important for patients to discuss the treatment options with their healthcare team to understand the benefits, risks, and potential side effects of each treatment approach and make informed decisions about their care.