Local Treatments
These treatments are used to treat cancer where it is located without affecting the rest of the body. This category of treatment is usually used in earlier stage cancer, before it spreads.
Surgery
This treatment is used to physically remove cancer from the breast. A lumpectomy is when only the cancer and tissues around it is removed. A mastectomy is when the entire breast is removed. Often, lymph nodes or other surrounding tissue are removed as well to ensure the surgery’s success in ridding the body of cancer.
Radiation
High-energy waves are specifically targeted at an area to kill cancer cells. *Surgery and radiation are often used in combination.
Drug Treatments
These treatments are used to treat cancer that is not necessarily in one place, but perhaps in multiple places in the body.
Chemotherapy
Strong cancer-fighting drugs.
Hormone Therapy
Drugs used to block hormones from helping cancer to grow.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs that target cells which grow too fast by using the body’s immune system. *Because of the complexity of breast cancer and the many types, treatment is very individualized and varies from person to person. It is common to receive more than one type of treatment for cancer. You should talk to a professional about treatment options specific to your case
Useful Websites:
American Cancer Society/How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
National Cancer Institute/Breast Cancer Treatment (Patient Version)
Susan G. Komen/Treatment By Breast Cancer Stage
Videos to Watch:
Survivorship Care - What It Is & Why It's Needed
Dr. Mary Kathryn Rodrigue discusses the importance of a health care summary of your cancer treatment and working with medical professionals to stay organized and on top of your care.
watch video