Breast Cancer Treatment Options

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime, an alarming statistic. If you have recently been diagnosed, the first step is meeting with your oncologist to discuss your breast cancer treatment options and create a treatment plan. Since all cases of breast cancer are unique, different treatment options may be recommended for different people depending on the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, the age of the patient, etc.

Common Breast Cancer Treatment Options Include:

Surgery: Surgery for breast cancer treatment may include a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and surrounding areas, a mastectomy to remove the entire breast, or a double mastectomy to remove both breasts.

Lymph Node Removal and Analysis: Certain breast cancers can infect the lymph nodes. In order to determine if this is the case, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed where a small number of lymph nodes from under the arm are removed and tested. In certain cases, an axillary lymph node dissection may be needed in which are larger amount of lymph nodes are removed and tested.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. The most common type of radiation therapy used for breast cancer patients is external-beam radiation therapy, which is given using a machine outside of the body.

Systemic Therapy: This form of treatment is either taken orally or intravenously (IV). It works by entering the bloodstream to reach the cancer cells and destroy them. The three main types of systemic therapy include the following:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy works to destroy cancer cells by disabling their ability to grow and divide.
• Hormonal Therapy: If the breast cancer cells use estrogen or progesterone hormones for growth, hormonal therapy may be recommended to block the hormones that the cancer needs to grow.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a focused treatment used to target specific proteins, genes, or tissue of the breast cancer.

Learn More about Breast Cancer Treatment at Suncoast Cancer Institute

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we invite you explore Suncoast Cancer Institute. Our team of oncologists are committed to providing patients with the cancer care their deserve. We will work with you one-on-one to determine the best course of treatment that fits your lifestyle and while providing the best results.

To schedule an appointment you may do so online or by contacting our office. We look forward to partnering with you for your cancer care.