An Overview of Breast Cancer Treatments

A woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer will immediately need to discuss her available treatment options with her doctor. Her options will depend on the type of cancer she has; for example, whether it is invasive or non-invasive. Her options will also depend upon how advanced the cancer has become and how severe it is. Depending on these factors, the woman may be placed upon prescription drugs, given chemotherapy, or subjected to radiation. Also, she may receive a combination of two of these treatments or even all three. Many women may choose to undergo more than one treatment, such as radiation and chemotherapy, to better ensure the cancer will be eradicated.

If deemed necessary, the woman may first undergo surgery to attempt to remove the cancerous growth and any affected tissues surrounding the growth. After surgery, the woman will need to discuss the remaining options with her doctor.

Prescription Drugs

A woman may be prescribed prescription drugs prior to or during chemotherapy or radiation, or may take the drugs throughout her period of treatment. She may also take certain prescription medications after she completes chemotherapy or radiation to help to prevent the cancer from returning. How long she will take these drugs depends upon each individual situation and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a potent course of drug treatment, in which a woman may take a pill or have the drugs injected directly into her veins to initiate treatment. Undergoing a course of chemotherapy after surgery is helpful in trying to prevent the cancer from recurring down the road. Chemotherapy is also especially beneficial for women whose cancer has spread beyond the breast and arm area. Chemotherapy is a systemic type of treatment, meaning it treats the entire body. Its side effects are well documented, from nausea to hair loss, and often patients may feel the treatment is worse than the cancer.

Radiation

Radiation is a more localized form of treatment. This form of treatment involves using high energy radiation to shrink and kill the cancer cells at the growth site. This type of therapy may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Frequent side effects include a burning sensation to the treated area and fatigue.