Talk to Your Doctor About the Best Treatment Plan
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. Learning about treatment options can help patients understand what to expect and talk with their doctors about the best plans for care. In this article, we will look at ten common breast cancer treatment options.
1. Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a surgery where the whole breast is removed. This treatment is often chosen when the cancer is large or when doctors think the cancer may return. Although a mastectomy can be a difficult decision, many patients choose this surgery to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
2. Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is another type of surgery where only a small portion of the breast that contains the cancer is removed. Compared to a mastectomy, a lumpectomy takes away less of the breast, which can be important for how a patient feels about their body. Doctors often follow a lumpectomy with radiation therapy to help kill any remaining cancer cells. This treatment option works best when the cancer is small and has not spread far.
3. Breast Reconstruction
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, some patients choose to have breast reconstruction. This is a surgery that helps rebuild the shape of the breast. Breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as the cancer surgery or later, after other treatments are finished. The surgery uses implants or the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body. The goal of reconstruction is to help patients feel more positive about their body image and recover emotionally as well as physically.
4. Lymph Node Removal
Cancer can spread through the lymph nodes, which are small glands that help fight infection. During breast cancer surgery, doctors may remove a few lymph nodes in the armpit area. This procedure is called lymph node removal or axillary lymph node dissection. Removing these lymph nodes helps doctors see if the cancer has started to spread to other parts of the body. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, doctors may use more treatments to target the spread.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells all over the body. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink a breast tumor, which can make it easier to remove. Other times, it is given after surgery to clear any remaining cancer cells. While chemotherapy can have side effects such as fatigue, nausea and hair loss, modern medicines and care help many patients manage these effects.
6. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used after a lumpectomy or mastectomy to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Radiation therapy targets the area where the tumor was located. Treatments are given over several days or weeks.
7. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer type of treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight cancer. The medicine used in immunotherapy helps the immune system find and attack cancer cells. Some breast cancers may not work well with other treatments and immunotherapy can be an option in these cases.
8. Hormone Therapy
Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In these cases, hormone therapy is used to block the effects of these hormones or to lower their levels in the body. By doing so, the cancer cells may slow down or stop growing. Hormone therapy is often used for many years after surgery, which can help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
9. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that focuses on specific properties of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all fast-growing cells, targeted therapy attacks only the cancer cells by focusing on specific changes in them. These changes are the reason why cancer grows quickly. By stopping these changes, targeted therapy helps slow or stop the spread of the cancer. Doctors often choose targeted therapy when they know that a patient’s cancer has a specific trait that the medicine can attack.
10. Eating a Healthy Diet
While not a treatment in the traditional way, a healthy diet is very important for people who have breast cancer. Eating well does not cure cancer, but it can help a patient feel stronger and recover faster. A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can provide the energy needed during treatment. Patients may work with a nutritionist to create a diet plan that gives them the best chance of staying healthy during and after treatment.
Final Notes
There are many breast cancer treatment options available. Each treatment has its own benefits and challenges. With ongoing research, hope grows for better outcomes and a healthier future for everyone dealing with breast cancer.