Symptoms
Your doctor determines your breast cancer treatment options based on your type of breast cancer, its stage and grade, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones. Your doctor also considers your overall health and your own preferences.
Causes
Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer cells. Doctors from different specialties often work together to treat breast cancer. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations. Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine. Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.
Prevention
From the time you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will work with a team of cancer specialists that may include: A medical oncologist A surgical oncologist A radiation oncologist A care-manager/caseworker
Complications
Surgery first is an option for some women with stage III cancers. Because these tumors are fairly large and/or have grown into nearby tissues, this usually means getting a mastectomy. For women with fairly large breasts, BCS may be an option if the cancer hasn’t grown into nearby tissues.
How are my breast cancer treatment options determined?
What is the best way to treat breast cancer?
Who will I work with If I have breast cancer?
Should I have breast cancer surgery or breast cancer treatment first?
What is the best place to go for breast cancer?
3 They are also the top-ranked hospital in cancer funding from the National Institutes of Health.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a non-profit hospital located in New York City. ... Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. ... Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Which hospital is best for treating breast cancer?
Here are the top 10 hospitals named to U.S. News' 2021-22 Best Hospitals for Cancer, including ties:University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston)Cleveland Clinic.More items...•
Does it matter where you get cancer treatment?
Make sure the hospitals you are considering have experience treating the type of cancer you have. Your local hospital may be fine for more common cancers. But if you have a rare cancer, you may need to choose a hospital that specializes in your cancer.
How does a patient choose a doctor to treat breast cancer?
Referrals. One of the best ways to find a good doctor is a referral from a trusted source. People often get the names of doctors from their primary care provider, family members, friends or other people diagnosed with breast cancer.
Which is better Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson?
Mayo Clinic has a neutral social sentiment, when analyzing social media channels and online mentions. Their current valuation is $156.98M. MD Anderson Cancer Center's brand is ranked #- in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of MD Anderson Cancer Center....Mayo Clinic vs MD Anderson Cancer Center.53%Promoters27%Passive20%Detractors
What is the number 1 cancer hospital in the world?
MD Anderson Cancer CenterWorld's Best Specialized Hospitals 2021RankHospitalScore1MD Anderson Cancer Center100.0%2Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center99.2%3Dana-Farber Cancer Institute98.0%4Mayo Clinic - Rochester97.0%73 more rows
Why do oncologists push chemo?
An oncologist may recommend chemotherapy before and/or after another treatment. For example, in a patient with breast cancer, chemotherapy may be used before surgery, to try to shrink the tumor. The same patient may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery to try to destroy remaining cancer cells.
What is worse radiation or chemo?
The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.
Do oncologists lie about prognosis?
Many have fulminated against oncologists who lie to patients about their prognoses, but sometimes cancer doctors lie for or with patients to improve our chances of survival.
How do I choose an oncologist?
Tips for Selecting an Oncologist and Cancer Treatment CenterAsk your primary care doctor for a referral. ... Keep an eye out for high quality care and lots of experts. ... Look for a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. ... Meet with more than one doctor.More items...
What's the difference between a breast surgeon and an oncologist?
A general surgeon may do a range of cancer surgeries along with non-cancer-related procedures, while a surgical oncologist has completed additional training in the treatment of cancer patients and concentrates his or her practice specifically in cancer surgery.
What is the 5 year pill for breast cancer?
Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is usually taken daily in pill form. It's often used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. In this situation, it's typically taken for five to 10 years.
Which Treatments Are Used For Breast Cancer?
There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage.Local treatments: Some treatments are local, meaning they treat the...
How Is Breast Cancer Typically Treated?
Most women with breast cancer will have some type of surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, yo...
Who Treats Breast Cancer?
Doctors on your cancer treatment team might include: 1. A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer 2...
Making Treatment Decisions
It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisi...
Help Getting Through Breast Cancer Treatment
Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are many places you can get more help if you need it. Hospita...
What type of treatment is used for breast cancer?
Depending on the type of breast cancer, different types of drug treatment might be used, including: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer. Targeted Drug Therapy for Breast Cancer. Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer.
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
Why is communicating with your cancer team important?
Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life. Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and can be an important part of your care.
Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.
Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?
Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.
What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?
These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.
What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?
A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer. A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer.
How is breast cancer treated?
Breast cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has spread. People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment. Surgery.
What is the best treatment for cancer?
Hormonal therapy. Blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. Biological therapy. Works with your body’s immune system to help it fight cancer cells or to control side effects from other cancer treatments. Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer cells.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer cells. Doctors from different specialties often work together to treat breast cancer. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations. Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine.
What is the second opinion on cancer?
Side effects are how your body reacts to drugs or other treatments. Sometimes people get an opinion from more than one cancer doctor. This is called a “second opinion.”. Getting a second opinion. external icon. may help you choose the treatment that is right for you.
What is clinical trial?
Clinical Trials. Clinical trials use new treatment options to see if they are safe and effective. If you have cancer, you may want to take part. Visit the sites listed below for more information.
Is it safe to take supplements with complementary medicine?
Meditation, yoga, and supplements like vitamins and herbs are some examples. Many kinds of complementary and alternative medicine have not been tested scientifically and may not be safe. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine.
What is the best test for breast cancer?
Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include: Breast exam. Your doctor will check both of your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities. Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are commonly used to screen for breast cancer.
How does a doctor determine breast cancer?
Your doctor determines your breast cancer treatment options based on your type of breast cancer, its stage and grade, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones. Your doctor also considers your overall health and your own preferences.
How to determine if a breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid filled cyst?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of structures deep within the body. Ultrasound may be used to determine whether a new breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. Removing a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy). A biopsy is the only definitive way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer.
What is the procedure for breast MRI?
The table slides into the large opening of the MRI machine. Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include: Breast exam.
How long does radiation treatment last for breast cancer?
Breast cancer radiation can last from three days to six weeks, depending on the treatment. A doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologist) determines which treatment is best for you based on your situation, your cancer type and the location of your tumor.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are commonly used to screen for breast cancer. If an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram to further evaluate that abnormality. Breast ultrasound.
Why is chemotherapy given before surgery?
The goal is to shrink a tumor to a size that makes it easier to remove with surgery. Chemotherapy is also used in women whose cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
What is the treatment for stage 1 breast cancer?
Local therapy (surgery and radiation therapy) Surgery is the main treatment for stage I breast cancer. These cancers can be treated with either breast-conserving surgery (BCS; sometimes called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) or mastectomy.
What are the stages of breast cancer?
Most women with breast cancer in stages I to III will get some kind of drug therapy as part of their treatment. This may include: 1 Chemotherapy 2 Hormone therapy (tamoxifen, an aromatase inhibitor, or one followed by the other) 3 HER2 targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) 4 Some combination of these
What is the treatment for BCS?
Women who have BCS are treated with radiation therapy after surgery. Women who have a mastectomy are typically treated with radiation if the cancer is found in the lymph nodes.
How big is a stage 3 breast tumor?
In stage III breast cancer, the tumor is large (more than 5 cm or about 2 inches across) or growing into nearby tissues (the skin over the breast or the muscle underneath), or the cancer has spread to many nearby lymph nodes.
Can stage 3 breast cancer spread to lymph nodes?
If you have inflammatory breast cancer: Stage III cancers also include some inflammatory breast cancers that have not spread beyond near by lymph nodes. Treatment of these cancers can be slightly different from the treatment of other stage III breast cancers.
Can you get radiation therapy before mastectomy?
If you were initially diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and were given treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy before surgery, radiation therapy might be recommended if cancer is found in the lymph nodes at the time of the mastectomy.
Can you get a mastectomy with a large breast?
For women with fairly large breasts, BCS may be an option if the cancer hasn’t grown into nearby tissues. SLNB may be an option for some patients, but most will need an ALND.
What kind of doctor do you work with when you have breast cancer?
From the time you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will work with a team of cancer specialists that may include: A medical oncologist. A surgical oncologist. A radiation oncologist. A care-manager/caseworker/nurse navigator or patient navigator.
Can doctors make recommendations?
Remember that while your doctors can make recommendations and provide options, the final decisions regarding your treatment are yours. With good research, you can have confidence in the path you take. By embracing your part, you’ll give yourself the best odds for a long and healthy life.
Do breast cancer doctors pay for second opinion?
Many health insurance companies will pay for a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it, and some companies require a second opinion.
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
Partial mastectomy. Breast-conserving surgery. Segmental mastectomy. After breast-sparing surgery, most women also receive radiation therapy. The main goal of this treatment is to keep cancer from coming back in the same breast. Some women will also need chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and/or targeted therapy.
What are the three choices for breast cancer?
Most women with DCIS or breast cancer that can be treated with surgery have three surgery choices. Surgery Choices: Cindy, Theresa, Paula. Three women describe the type of surgery that they chose to treat their breast cancer.
What is breast surgery?
Breast-sparing surgery means the surgeon removes only the DCIS or cancer and some normal tissue around it. If you have cancer, the surgeon will also remove one or more lymph nodes from under your arm. Breast-sparing surgery usually keeps your breast looking much like it did before surgery. Other words for breast-sparing surgery include:
How to do breast reconstruction?
The first step is called tissue expansion. This is when the plastic surgeon places a balloon expander under the chest muscle. Over many weeks, saline (salt water) will be added to the expander to stretch the chest muscle and the skin on top of it.
What is a mastectomy?
In a mastectomy, the surgeon removes the whole breast that contains the DCIS or cancer. There are two main types of mastectomy. They are: Total mastectomy. The surgeon removes your whole breast. Sometimes, the surgeon also takes out one or more of the lymph nodes under your arm. Also called simple mastectomy.
What type of breast surgery is needed to remove cancer?
If so, you may be able to choose which type of breast surgery to have. Often, your choice is between breast-sparing surgery (surgery that takes out the cancer and leaves most of the breast) and a mastectomy (surgery that removes the whole breast). Once you are diagnosed, treatment will usually not begin right away.
How long does radiation therapy last after breast sparing surgery?
If you chose to have breast sparing surgery, you will usually need radiation therapy. Radiation treatments are usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 8 weeks. If you have a mastectomy, you may still need radiation therapy. No matter which surgery you choose, you might need: Chemotherapy. Hormone therapy.
Why is it important to interview a doctor about breast cancer?
Interviewing doctors about their approach to treating breast cancer is a good way to learn about their abilities and to see whether or not you have a personal connection. This may be done as part of a formal consultation. Below are some things to consider when meeting with a new doctor.
What is the best way to find a good health care provider?
Board certification. Making sure a doctor is board-certified is an important step in finding a good health care provider. To be board-certified, a doctor must have the training and knowledge to practice a medical specialty and must have passed a certification exam.
Where do doctors post their ABMS certification?
Many doctors post their ABMS certificates in their offices. The American Medical Association maintains DoctorFinder, a database of U.S. doctors. DoctorFinder lists a doctor’s certification status and includes where the doctor went to medical school and did their training.
Do doctors take part in clinical trials?
However, being able to take part in clinical trials can depend on the type of hospital where a doctor practices.
Can a doctor see only breast cancer patients?
A doctor who sees only people with breast cancer likely has more experience treating breast cancer than one who treats many types of cancer . However, outside of large medical centers, it can be hard to find doctors (such as medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists) who only treat people with breast cancer.
How to make a reasonable treatment decision?
To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about trustworthy websites, books and patient education materials to supplement your discussions.
How to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision?
Effective communication with your doctor is the best way to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision. To make communicating with your doctor easier, try to: Speak up when you don't understand. If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor.
Can you cure cancer?
When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure. Ask your doctor about your chances for a cure to help you understand more about your situation. Control.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Alternative Medicine
Coping and Support
- Do you have a program dedicated to caring for women with metastatic breast cancer? Treating patients with metastatic breast cancer is a significant part of our practice at Dana-Farber's Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers. Our doctors, nurses, research staff, social workers, and ot…
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