Explore the Latest Options in Breast Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Beyond

Breast cancer is a growing concern worldwide, especially with the rapidly changing lifestyle. Such diseases prey on a woman’s mind and health. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. The condition is treatable in many cases. If the breast cancer is curable, and the cancer cells have not spread beyond the borders of the breast, surgery and radiation therapy are suitable. Whereas chemotherapy is the best option for women with a more advanced form of cancer – the one that has spread to the lymph glands, the lungs, chest bones, and other organs. 

Breast cancer is one of the most talked about cancers because it affects both men and women. There is a lot of news on breast cancer awareness, but it can get confusing and hard to understand. 

In this article, we will be looking at the most recent breast cancer treatment options.

Chemotherapy

This cancer treatment uses special drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given to people with breast cancer as part of their treatment plan, either before or after surgery, as a stand-alone treatment (in case of advanced breast cancer). 

Different types of chemotherapy are there to treat breast cancer. The most common is adjuvant chemotherapy, given for four to six cycles after the surgery. It can also be given with other treatments, such as hormone therapy or radiation therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is another type of chemotherapy that is used and given before surgery to remove cancer. It is usually given for four to six cycles as well.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. Breast cancer radiation therapy can be given after surgery, or it may be the only treatment needed as per the severity of the condition.

Radiation therapy can be given in two ways: externally or internally. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward cancer cells. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, called a seed, wire, or catheter, placed directly into or near the tumour.

Radiation therapy is a localized treatment which only affects the area being treated. Although during the procedure, healthy cells can also be affected, but they can repair themselves. 

Also Read: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: MOST COMMON RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS, FACTS

Surgery

Surgery is a popular and effective treatment option for breast cancer treatment. Two main types of surgery commonly used by surgeons to treat breast cancer are lumpectomy and mastectomy. 

• Lumpectomy – It is a less invasive surgery; only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed. 
• Mastectomy – In this surgery, the entire breast is removed. There are different types of mastectomies, including partial mastectomy, simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy and radical mastectomy.

Both surgery options effectively treat breast cancer and can be tailored to the individual patient’s condition. Surgery is an effective treatment option for breast cancer and can provide patients with a good prognosis.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy treats breast cancer by removing or blocking the hormones that promote the growth of cancer cells. This therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. There are different types of hormone therapy. Doctors suggest the most appropriate type based on the patient’s tumour type and stage of the disease.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy treats cancer by targeting specific molecules or genes involved in cancer growth. This therapy is often used with other surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

There are many types of targeted therapies that are being used or studied to treat breast cancer, including –

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
• Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Each type of targeted therapy works in a different way to target the specific molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and development of cancer cells.

Different targeted therapies have different side effects. Some common side effects include skin rash, diarrhoea, and fatigue. However, this treatment is potentially more effective and has fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Also Read: THINGS WOMEN NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER

Conclusion

Coping with cancer can be challenging. New medical breakthroughs and breast cancer treatment surgery like the ones mentioned above help people living with cancer lead better life. 

You can comfortably discuss your specific treatment options with your physician and devise a treatment plan.