Treatment FAQ

what is breast cancer treatment

by Prof. Santos Mertz Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

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.

Procedures

Treatment for stages I to III breast cancer usually includes surgery and radiation therapy, often with chemo or other drug therapies either before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.

Therapy

Nutrition

What are the best treatments for breast cancer?

What are the goals of treatment in breast cancer?

How long does it take for breast cancer to heal?

Which is the best therapy for breast cancer patients?

See more

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What is the most common treatment for breast cancer?

Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many also receive additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation. Chemotherapy might also be used before surgery in certain situations.

What is the best treatment of breast cancer?

Summary of surgical options. To summarize, surgical treatment options include the following: Removal of cancer in the breast: Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, generally followed by radiation therapy if the cancer is invasive. Mastectomy may also be recommended, with or without immediate reconstruction.

What type of therapy is used for breast cancer?

Chemotherapy. Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer cells. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both. Hormonal therapy.

What are four treatments of breast cancer?

Although systemic drugs are the main treatment for stage IV breast cancer, local and regional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or regional chemotherapy are sometimes used as well. These can help treat breast cancer in a specific part of the body, but they are very unlikely to get rid of all of the cancer.Oct 27, 2021

Can breast cancer be cured?

There is no “natural” cure for breast cancer. Medical treatments are necessary to remove, shrink, or slow the growth of tumors. That said, you may use certain complementary therapies and lifestyle changes alongside standard medical treatments to help: control symptoms of breast cancer.May 4, 2021

What is breast cancer pain like?

Breast cancer can cause changes in skin cells that lead to feelings of pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the breast. Although breast cancer is often painless, it is important not to ignore any signs or symptoms that could be due to breast cancer. Some people may describe the pain as a burning sensation.

What food kills breast cancer cells?

Top Cancer-Fighting FoodsFolate-Rich Foods.Vitamin D.Tea.Cruciferous Vegetables.Curcumin.Ginger.Apr 24, 2006

How long is breast cancer treatment?

Typically, if you have early-stage breast cancer, you'll undergo chemotherapy treatments for three to six months, but your doctor will adjust the timing to your circumstances. If you have advanced breast cancer, treatment may continue beyond six months.Feb 24, 2021

Can you treat breast cancer without surgery?

In those cases, they remove tissue to make sure the area around the site is cancer-free. Some doctors say it may be possible to skip surgery altogether, sparing patients the risk of general anesthesia as well as the pain and scars that operations can bring.Mar 11, 2019

Who is most likely to get breast cancer?

Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older. Some women will get breast cancer even without any other risk factors that they know of. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease, and not all risk factors have the same effect.

Is Stage 3 breast cancer curable?

Because stage 3 breast cancer has spread outside the breast, it can be harder to treat than earlier stage breast cancer, though that depends on a few factors. With aggressive treatment, stage 3 breast cancer is curable; however, the risk that the cancer will grow back after treatment is high.

How is early breast cancer treated?

The main options are either breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy or a mastectomy . Often surgery is followed by a combination of chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy depending on the features of the cancer.

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 kind of doctor treats breast cancer?

Based on your treatment options, you might have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include: 1 A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer 2 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer 3 A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer 4 A plastic surgeon: a doctor who specializes in reconstructing or repairing parts of the body

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.

What is the difference between a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist?

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. A plastic surgeon: a doctor who specializes in reconstructing or repairing parts of the body. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, ...

Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?

The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

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.

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 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.

Why do you need chemotherapy after surgery?

If your cancer has a high risk of returning or spreading to another part of your body, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy after surgery to decrease the chance that the cancer will recur.

What is core needle biopsy?

A core needle biopsy uses a long, hollow tube to extract a sample of tissue. Here, a biopsy of a suspicious breast lump is being done. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

How does radiation kill cancer cells?

Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically done using a large machine that aims the energy beams at your body (external beam radiation). But radiation can also be done by placing radioactive material inside your body (brachytherapy).

Why is chemotherapy used?

Chemotherapy may be recommended to try to control the cancer and decrease any symptoms the cancer is causing. Chemotherapy side effects depend on the drugs you receive.

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.

What is the treatment for stage 1 breast cancer?

Treatment for stages I to III breast cancer usually includes surgery and radiation therapy, often with chemo or other drug therapies either before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery. Stage I: These breast cancers are still relatively small and either have not spread to the lymph nodes or have only a tiny area of cancer spread in ...

What is recurrent breast cancer?

Recurrent breast cancer. Cancer is called recurrent when it comes back after primary treatment. Recurrence can be local (in the same breast or in the surgery scar), regional (in nearby lymph nodes), or in a distant area. Treatment for recurrent breast cancer depends on where the cancer recurs and what treatments you’ve had before.

What does stage 0 mean?

Stage 0 means that the cancer is limited to the inside of the milk duct and is non-invasive. Treatment for this non-invasive breast tumor is often different from the treatment of invasive breast cancer.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment is primarily based on the type and stage of cancer.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Drugs may be recommended before or after the surgery to reduce the mass size and prevent spread or recurrence.

Capecitabine . Carboplatin . Doxorubicin . Vinorelbine


Hormone therapy: Drugs used in hormone therapy help in regulating the proliferation of hormone sensitive cancer cells and prevent the production of hormones or reduce their action.

Raloxifene . Tamoxifen . Fulvestrant . Leuprolide

Procedures

Lumpectomy: The entire tumor mass and some of the surrounding healthy tissues are removed.

Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast tissue, sometimes including the nipple and the pigmented area around it.

Breast reconstruction: May be considered using implants or one’s own tissues.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:- Uses high-powered energy rays to destroy cancer cells. - Can be done using a machine or by implanting a radioactive material inside the tumor mass.

Nutrition

Food to eat:

  • Foods rich in fiber such as whole grains, beans and legumes
  • Foods rich in vitamin D like beef liver, cheese and egg yolk
  • Low fat dairy products and milk
  • Foods with anti-inflammatory properties like spices

Foods to avoid:

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Foods with high sugar content like sodas, candies and sweets
  • Foods with high fat content like fried food, crackers and processed food
  • Red meat

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Breast surgeon
Specializes in surgery of the breasts for benign and malignant breast diseases.

Coping and Support

  • Diagnosing breast cancer
    Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include: 1. Breast exam.Your doctor will check both of your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities. 2. Mammogram.A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are co…
  • Staging breast cancer
    Once your doctor has diagnosed your breast cancer, he or she works to establish the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage helps determine your prognosis and the best treatment options. Complete information about your cancer's stage may not be available until af…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • 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. Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many also receive additional treatment after surgery, such as che…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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