Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may have a number of options for treatment, depending on the type of breast cancer, the stage the cancer has reached (if found in earlier stages, there are usually less invasive options), and the woman’s own personal health and inclination. Educating yourself about different treatments can help you, along with your doctor, determine what is right for you. Some of the more common treatments include:
• Surgery. This can include anything from removing the cancerous tumor to removing the entire breast. If the tumor is small and surrounded by healthy tissue, the doctor is more likely isolated removal prior to removing the entire breast. He or she may want to remove one or more lymph nodes if the cancer has spread.
• Radiation. This treatment uses high concentrations of energy to kill the cancer cells. It is typically used in cancer that it is the early stages.
• Chemotherapy. With this treatment, strong drugs are taken to kill the cancer cells. This is often used to kill cancer in later stages, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or if it has a high likelihood of returning. Side effects can be severe, and medication is often used to alleviate them.
• Hormone therapy. Used in cancers that are more sensitive to hormones, this involves surgery or prescription drug treatment to block certain hormones. This can keep the cancer from returning. It is often used along with other treatments.
• Medication. Certain medications are also used to target the cancer cells. They can be used in conjunction with other medications that work to treat multiple deformities within the cancer cells themselves.
There are many different ways skilled oncologists and physicians work to heal breast cancer. Knowing your treatment options will help you make the best decision for you.