What if breast cancer is left untreated?
How long can you survive with untreated breast cancer?
Can you live with breast cancer without treatment?
Can you survive breast cancer without chemotherapy?
How fast can breast cancer Spread?
What is the deadliest form of breast cancer?
What type of breast cancer does not require chemo?
Does breast cancer make u sick?
Many symptoms of secondary breast cancer are similar to those of other conditions. Some general symptoms that breast cancer may have spread include: Feeling constantly tired. Constant nausea (feeling sick)
What are the chances of dying from breast cancer?
Can you get rid of cancer without chemo?
Can cancer go away by itself?
How long do stage 3 breast cancer patients live?
Why do people refuse breast cancer treatment?
Among some of the more common reasons for the refusal of breast cancer treatment: A period of adjustment: No one really knows how they will respond to a cancer diagnosis until they get one. Some people will panic, others will become resolute, and others still will need time to come to terms with the diagnosis before moving forward.
How to help someone who refuses cancer treatment?
You can help yourself and others by reframing the conversation, focusing on what you want (s uch as "I want to enjoy the time we have") rather than what you don't want ("I don't want to feel pain"). By doing so, you're engaging a loved one in conversation rather than debate.
Why do doctors dismiss complementary therapies?
They might even dismiss complementary or integrative therapies because they either don't believe in them or assert (reasonably) that certain approaches are not evidence-based .
What is a second opinion on a cancer case?
A second opinion is not a rebuke of your oncologist. It is a means to gain assurance or perspective from a neutral party who has looked at your case with fresh eyes. If needed, seek a third or fourth opinion; just be certain you're not looking for someone who will tell you what you want to hear rather than providing you with sound and objective advice.
Why do women with cancer choose hospice?
Likewise, some women with advanced cancer will choose hospice care for its emphasis on emotional support and pain control, rather than aggressive therapeutic interventions that cause pain.
What religions discourage cancer treatment?
Matters of faith: Some religions, like Christian Science, discourage certain medical interventions necessary for cancer treatment. Even if this is not the case, a woman may feel comforted by entrusting her fate to nature or a higher power.
Can a court order a woman with breast cancer to undergo surgery?
Even so, the very notion that a court can force a woman with breast cancer to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy is legally unsound and unheard of in medical practice.
What happens if you don't treat breast cancer?
And if untreated, breast cancer universally becomes a fatal disease.
How to prevent breast cancer from coming back?
Answer: Well, the hope for women with early stage breast cancer is that by using surgery and radiation therapy and, where appropriate, chemotherapy and hormonal treatments, that we can help prevent the cancer from coming back.
Can breast cancer go away on its own?
It can happen over long periods of time, but if you don't have surgery and if you don't have other treatments, it doesn't go away on its own. That's why we recommend (to) people that they get appropriate medical treatment.
How many women refused breast cancer surgery?
It compared patients who refused breast cancer with those that those that accepted surgery. Only 1.3% of women (70) refused surgery. Of that group, 37 had no treatment, 25 had hormone-therapy only, and 8 had other types of treatments.
How long does breast cancer last?
(An old study of untreated breast cancer suggest the 5 year survival rates are 18% at 5 years and 3.6% at 10 years.)
Does CAM help cancer?
Note that the difference is only statistically significant in (a) where all-causes of death were included and not (b), cancer-specific causes. So does that mean CAM helps? Probably not. The two groups are not well defined, and the “unknown” group could include CAM users – it is not a comparison of CAM versus no treatment. And as the types of CAM used was not documented, this is a heterogeneous group. The key point this comparison illustrates is that CAM users did dramatically worse than women that took conventional cancer care. Even delaying surgery to allow for CAM first significantly decreased the effectiveness of subsequent conventional care. The authors conclude, correctly, that there is no evidence to support using CAM as primary cancer treatment.
Is CAM a substitute for medicine?
Surveys suggest the vast majority of consumers with medical conditions use CAM in addition to, rather than as a substitute for medicine – that is, it is truly “complementary”. But there is a smaller population that uses CAM as a true “alternative” to medicine.
When will the New England Journal of Medicine issue 2021 be released?
In the June 17, 2021 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine Dr. Erica …
Does breast cancer cause progressive disease?
Consistent with the study above, the vast majority of breast cancer patients who refuse surgical intervention developed progressive disease. Even delaying surgery increased risks and overall mortality. Outcomes were better for patients that accepted surgery, but refused adjuvant treatments, like chemotherapy. However, even this strategy significantly raised 10-year mortality estimates.
Can you opt out of follow up on cancer?
Most patients who decide to opt-out of cancer treatment, also opt-out of any follow-up evaluation. So tracking down patients, and their outcomes, is essential. The effects of treatment refusals and delay, and the effectiveness of CAM as a substitute, has been evaluated in several groups of patients with breast cancer.
What is BII in medical terms?
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range... Metastatic Breast Cancer. Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread to another part...
How many survivors of breast cancer have long term side effects?
The researchers suggested that if the results of the study were applied to the larger breast cancer survivor population, more than 1.3 million survivors could be experiencing at least three long-term side effects for which they need help. "Survivorship care is about more than screenings and disease prevention.
What to do if you have breast cancer and your oncologist hasn't talked to you about a
If you’ve finished breast cancer treatment and your oncologist hasn’t talked to you about a survivorship care plan, it’s a good idea to bring it up at your next appointment. It’s also a good idea to bring up any long-term side effects you’re having and discuss how they can be treated.
How many women have stage 2 breast cancer?
About 70% of the women were white. Half were older than 63 years and half were younger. About 78% of the women had been diagnosed with stage I or stage II breast cancer. The researchers found that nearly all of the women -- 92% -- reported at least three long-term side effects.
What are the side effects of breast cancer?
Because of treatments they’ve received, many breast cancer survivors have side effects that may continue for years after primary treatment ends, including joint pain, fatigue, problems sleeping, and hot flashes.
Why is Breastcancer.org important?
Because of better diagnostic tests and advances in cancer treatments, more people are living longer than ever after being diagnosed . This is true for all types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Do you deserve the best care after cancer?
There’s only one of you and you deserve the best care possible, both during and after cancer treatment. Because the idea of survivorship care plans is relatively new, you may have to advocate for yourself to make sure you that get a written plan.
Do you have to treat cancer?
Not every cancer requires treatment. Some cancers have a very long natural history and for people who are older (and I don't mean elderly) treatment may not be necessary, although careful monitoring is.
Does prostate cancer require treatment?
Not every cancer requires treatment. Some cancers have a very long natural history and for people who are older (and I don't mean elderly) treatment may not be necessary, although careful monitoring is. Low grade prostate cancer falls into that group.
What is the name of the cancer that starts in the breast?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. It starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer is most common in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. Breast cancer cells can spread to other parts ...
Why is breast cancer called triple negative?
It's called triple-negative because the cancer cells are missing three kinds of proteins that breast cancers are tested for: estrogen and progesterone receptors (proteins that help cells respond to hormones), and another protein called HER2 (a protein that other types of breast cancer make too much of).
What tests are needed to detect breast cancer?
If signs are pointing to breast cancer, more tests will be done. Here are some of the tests you may need: Mammogram: This is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms are mostly used to find breast cancer early. But another mammogram might be done to look more closely at the breast problem you might have.
What does it mean when you see a lump on your mammogram?
A change seen on your mammogram may be the first sign of breast cancer. Or you may have found a lump or other change in your breast. The doctor will ask you questions about your health and will do a physical exam. A breast exam is done to look for changes in the nipples or the skin of your breasts.
What is invasive breast cancer?
Invasive breast cancer. Invasive breast cancer means the cancer has grown out of the place it started and started to invade nearby breast tissue. These cancers might also spread to other places in the body. Most invasive breast cancers are one of these types:
How do you know if you have breast cancer?
In a breast biopsy, the doctor takes out small pieces of breast tissue to check them for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if you have breast cancer.
How long does chemo last?
These drugs go into the blood and spread through the body. Chemo is given in cycles or rounds. Each round of treatment is followed by a break. Most of the time, 2 or more chemo drugs are given. Treatment often lasts for many months.
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 stage of breast cancer do you get drug therapy?
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:
How long does HER2 therapy last?
HER2 targeted drugs: For people with HER2-positive cancers, some will be treated with adjuvant (after surgery) chemotherapy with trastuzumab with or without pertuzumab for up to 1 year. Many women with HER2-positive cancers will be treated first with trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) followed by surgery and then more trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) for up to a year. If after neoadjuvant therapy, there is any residual cancer found at the time of surgery, the trastuzumab may be changed to a different drug, called ado-trastuzumab emtansine, which is given every 3 weeks for 14 doses. For people with cancer that is hormone receptor-positive, found in the lymph nodes, and have completed 1 year of trastuzumab, your doctor might also recommend additional treatment with an oral drug called neratinib for 1 year.
How long does it take to get rid of HER2 cancer?
Many women with HER2-positive cancers will be treated with trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) followed by surgery and more trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) for up to 1 year. If after neoadjuvant therapy, residual cancer is found during surgery, trastuzumab may be changed to a different drug, called ado-trastuzumab emtansine, which is given every 3 weeks for 14 doses. If hormone receptor-positive cancer is found in the lymph nodes, your doctor might recommend one year of trastuzumab followed by additional treatment with an oral drug called neratinib for 1 year.
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.
Why do you need radiation after breast surgery?
If BCS is done, radiation therapy is usually given after surgery to lower the chance of the cancer coming back in the breast and to also help people live longer.
Why do people decline chemotherapy?
Many patients decline chemotherapy for low odds of benefit especially if they have gotten very weak or have other symptoms that make their quality of life very poor. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
What happens when you die from cancer?
The most frequent outcome when cancer patients die is that whatever pain they have is controlled with narcotics and or sedatives. There often comes a point in poorly treatable cancer situations that the treatment is as bad or worse than the disease.
What is the most common outcome of cancer patients dying?
The most frequent outcome when cancer patients die is that whatever pain they have is controlled with narcotics and or sedatives.
Can radiation therapy help with metastatic bone cancer?
Cancers metastatic to bone are often painful but in some cases the discomfort is mild or more severe pain can be relieved with radiation therapy.
Is pancreatic cancer pain a problem?
But I’ve had many patients with pancreatic cancer where pain wasn’t a problem. Instead, like many other patients with advanced cancers, they became weaker and more frail as their cancer worsened, then became wheelchair and then bed bound. Cancers metastatic to bone are often painful but in some cases the discomfort is mild or more severe pain can ...
Reasons to Refuse Treatment
Role of The Physician
- The traditional patriarchal role of the physician has changed vastly in the past 50 or so years. Where doctors were once prescriptive, they are now considered equal partners in your care. When it comes to decisions, however, those are entirely yours. Within this context, the role of your doctor is to provide you full disclosure of your condition and treatment options in a language yo…
Exceptions
- There are few exceptions to your right to refuse medical treatment, however. In an emergency situation, doctors do have the right to intervene only to control the emergency. Unless there is a legal directive to prevent such treatment, such as a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order, the doctor has an obligation to step in, albeit in a specific capacity. The only other clear exception is parent…
Making An Informed Choice
- Most people have encountered one aspect of informed consent, namely the signing of a medical consent form prior to a medical procedure or hospitalization. But informed consent is about more than just signing a document. It involves discussing the potentials risks and benefits of a recommended treatment, as well as the risks and benefits of receiving no treatment. If, after a re…
If A Loved One Declines Treatment
- If someone you care about has chosen not to continue their cancer treatment, be as supportive as you can. She may have already been met with resistance from her doctors and those closest to her. If her mind is made up, it won't help to add your voice to the debate. If she is still struggling with her decision, offer to listen and help her sort thro...
Who Uses Cam Instead of Medicine?
Effectiveness Evaluations
- The data show that avoiding or delaying conventional cancer care is associated with negative outcomes, and CAM used does not seem to modify this risk. But have any specific CAM interventions shown any benefit? Probably the most comprehensive single review is asystematic review by Gerber et al, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in 2006, which looke…
Conclusion: Alternative Medicine Isn’T Real Medicine
- Despite widespread claims, there is no evidence to support the use of any CAM treatment as a replacement for conventional cancer care. As the studies in breast cancer show, delaying treatment or substituting CAM for conventional cancer care dramatically worsens outcomes.The results of these studies will hopefully provide patients and health provide...
References
- 1. Verkooijen HM, Fioretta GM, Rapiti E, Bonnefoi H, Vlastos G, Kurtz J, Schaefer P, Sappino AP, Schubert H, & Bouchardy C (2005). Patients’ refusal of surgery strongly impairs breast cancer survival. Annals of surgery, 242 (2), 276-80 PMID: 16041219 2. Chang EY, Glissmeyer M, Tonnes S, Hudson T, & Johnson N (2006). Outcomes of breast cancer in patients who use alternative thera…