Before establishing a treatment plan, it’s important to understand that there is no one right approach towards breast cancer treatment. A number of factors are used to determine which treatment approach is best, the most significant being the type and stage of cancer. Overall health is also factored into the treatment approach. A plan is designed to eliminate cancer entirely or get it under control for as long as possible.
The first step in identifying the right treatment approach is to have a basic understanding of cancer and how it works. It begins with a cell, which is what makes up every living thing. In very simple terms, our bodies are a structure of cells. Every cell contains genes. The genes are the commanders of the cells and tell them what to do. Each gene is made up of DNA that is unique to every person. If DNA is damaged or changes with age, it can tell cells to grow faster and act different than they would normally. These changed cells are cancer cells. As cancer cells multiply, they continue to change and each new cell is different. This is why treating cancer is so difficult and why no two people have the exact same cancer or treatment plan.
The most important factor that is considered in determining the best overall approach to treatment is the stage of the disease, or how widespread the cancer is in the body. Breast cancer stages begin with stage 0 – the earliest form of breast cancer where cancer cells are still in a duct and have not entered the breast tissue – and go up to stage 4 – the cancer has spread to other organs, usually the liver, lungs, bone or brain. The term staging is the process of figuring out how far the cancer has spread, if at all. A variety of tests may be done and can include a chest x-ray, mammograms, bone scans, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound or PET scans. Blood tests may help determine if the cancer has spread to certain organs.
After a breast cancer diagnosis has been made and stage of cancer has been determined, the right approach towards breast cancer treatment can begin and is designed to target the specific cancer to achieve the best possible results. Depending on the stage, treatments can be local or systemic. Local treatments target the tumor directly, while systemic treatments fight cancer throughout the entire body. Local treatments include:
Surgery – a lumpectomy, removal of the tumor only, or a mastectomy, removal of the entire breast
Radiation – targets a specific area and is designed to kill cancer cells
Systemic treatments are the use of drugs to destroy or control cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. Therapies include:
Chemotherapy – one or more drugs given intravenously, by shot or in pill form by mouth
Hormone therapy – the use of hormones or hormone-like drugs to stop the body’s natural hormones from working effectively
Biologic or immunotherapy – used to stimulate the body’s own immune system to better fight the cancer cells
Treatments are usually given in cycles and patients are monitored closely throughout. Once treatment has been completed, patients continue testing for periods of time to make sure the cancer has not returned. After a determined period of time without cancer, usually several years, patients reduce the number of doctor visits and testing until they are no longer needed. If the cancer does return, a new treatment plan is developed.
The treatment process is lengthy and can be a tough time for patients however, results are best when the plan is completed on schedule. Any questions, problems or concerns should be discussed with your doctor. The right approach towards breast cancer treatment should be determined by your doctor or a licensed professional qualified to do so.
DISCLAIMER: The information and products on this website are in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any cancer related illness, disease or condition whatsoever. Anyone looking for medical advice needs to contact a Licensed physician. Please read the disclaimer below for more information
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