With changing lifestyles, including factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased stress, breast cancer has become one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have led to more effective treatment options that can greatly enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life. The treatment approach varies based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. Let’s explore the key treatment options available for breast cancer.
- Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for breast cancer, focusing on the removal of the tumour. Different surgical procedures are available depending on how extensive the cancer is:
- Lumpectomy: In this procedure, only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, preserving the rest of the breast.
- Mastectomy: This involves removing one or both breasts, either partially or entirely, depending on the spread of cancer.
- Lymph Node Removal: This checks if the cancer has spread beyond the breast.
Each surgery type has its advantages, and the choice depends on the diagnosis and individual preferences.
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This targeted treatment focuses on the breast area or nearby lymph nodes, significantly reducing the chance of recurrence. There are two primary forms of radiation therapy:
- External Beam Radiation: This is the most common type, where high-energy rays are directed at the tumour site.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): This involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the tumour.
Radiation therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, to ensure comprehensive care.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove. Alternatively, it can be given after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to destroy any remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of the cancer spreading.Â
Chemotherapy is beneficial for aggressive forms of breast cancer or when there’s a high chance of the disease spreading. While chemotherapy is effective, it comes with common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. However, these are usually manageable with proper medical care.
- Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is highly effective for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which grow due to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. This therapy either blocks these hormones or reduces their levels to slow down or stop cancer growth.Â
Types of hormonal therapy include:
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): These block estrogen’s action on cancer cells in the breast.
- Aromatase Inhibitors: These reduce estrogen production in postmenopausal women.
Hormonal treatments are often prescribed for several years to lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, making them less harmful to healthy cells compared to chemotherapy. One of the most common forms of targeted therapy is used for HER2-positive breast cancers, which are characterised by excessive HER2 protein that promotes cancer cell growth.Â
Types of targeted therapies include:
- HER2-Targeted Therapy: These drugs block the HER2 protein to stop the rapid growth of cancer cells.
- CDK4/6 Inhibitors: These prevent cancer cells from dividing and multiplying and are often used alongside other drug therapies.
Targeted therapies have revolutionised breast cancer treatment by offering a more personalised, effective, and less toxic approach.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It shows promise, particularly for treating aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer, which is harder to treat with conventional methods. While still evolving, immunotherapy is an exciting field that offers new hope for patients with certain breast cancer subtypes.
Seeking the Best Treatment
Choosing the best breast cancer treatment requires a personalised approach, as each patient’s situation is unique. Renowned hospitals like BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital offer advanced care to support patients throughout their treatment. Their multidisciplinary medical team—including oncologists, surgeons, and specialists—can suggest the most suitable treatment plan.
Know more about :6 Lifestyle Changes to Improve Life after Breast Cancer Treatment
Conclusion
Breast cancer treatment has made remarkable progress, providing patients with a wide range of options, from surgery and radiation therapy to advanced treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The right combination of treatments depends on factors such as the stage and type of cancer and individual health conditions. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can reach out to a reputed hospital to explore the best treatment options.