Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The breakthrough in screening techniques, early diagnosis, and treatment modalities are responsible for the drastic increase in the survival rates.
In general breast cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. The main aim of breast cancer treatment is to remove as much cancer as possible and to prevent recurrence. Although there are several treatment modalities, the best treatment combinations are determined based on the type, size, and extent of cancer.
Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment option for early-stage breast cancers that are small in size, and involves removing the tumour and some surrounding healthy tissue. Lumpectomy (removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue while leaving the rest of the breast intact), mastectomy (complete removal of breast tissue usually followed by breast reconstruction), sentinel node biopsy (removal of the sentinel lymph nodes i.e the first node to be involved by the tumour in the axilla), and axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes from the armpit) are some common breast cancer surgeries.
Radiation therapy: This procedure involves delivering high-energy radiation beams to shrink and destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually recommended in case of invasive cancer after lumpectomy and in certain cases after a mastectomy to kill the remaining cancer cells in the breast, armpit and surrounding regions. It can be administered either alone or after chemotherapy, if suggested or along with certain surgical procedures. It is a modality used to target local recurrence.
People might receive radiation therapy through a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or through a device containing a radioactive source placed near the location of the original tumour (internal radiation therapy).
Other common treatment modalities for breast cancer include the following:
Breast cancer is a systemic disease. Hence, it is important to administer anyone of the below mentioned modalities to target the systemic spread to lower the chances of a systemic spread and improve survival.
Chemotherapy: This treatment modality involves using specific drugs to kill cancer cells by inhibiting the process of cancer cell division. Chemotherapy is not recommended in all the cases, however, it might be given before the surgery to shrink a tumour or after the surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells, and in the advanced stages of breast cancer to control the spread. It can be administered orally or intravenously.
Hormone therapy: It involves use of drugs to inhibit the production of hormones that boost the growth of cancers. It acts by either decreasing the production of hormones or blocking them from working. Hormone therapy is recommended only in breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as oestrogen or progesterone. It can be given before or after the surgery to shrink a tumour and to lower the risk of recurrence.
Targeted Therapy: It involves the usage of specific drugs or substances that target certain characteristics of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is recommended in cases where breast cancer cells overexpress certain characteristics of proteins on the cancer cell surface, thereby promoting the abnormal growth pattern.
Cancer and cancer treatment can be intimidating and comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Taking care of yourself throughout the cancer journey and beyond, is the only way to fight back. This can be done by following these measures:
- Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet
- Staying physically active
- Doing meditation or yoga
- Staying hydrated
- Spending time with your friends and family
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
Reach us:
Are you concerned with your recent mammogram report or is your loved one fighting breast cancer? In any of these scenarios, you can reach us via email or call us to get an appointment with Dr. Pragnya Chigurupati.
Dr. Pragnya Chigurupati is one of the best and renowned breast oncologists and oncoplastic surgeons in Hyderabad. She has extensive experience in breast diseases and oncoplastic techniques. Her expertise also includes diagnostic procedures, reconstructive procedures, breast augmentation and reduction (mammoplasty) procedures, implant-based breast reconstructions, and other cosmetic procedures, such as fat grafting and nipple reconstruction.