“What is the best treatment for breast cancer?”
A cousin, that I'm pretty close to, just got diagnosed with breast cancer, and I'm not really sure what her options are. What are the typical treatment options for breast cancer? Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy? Which one is safest?
6 Answers
Breast cancer is a very common illness. Approximately one in every eight women will develop it sometime in her life. Genetic inheritance is also very important.
The treatment of breast cancer depends on several characteristics. One is the age and underlying health of the patient. The second is the location of the cancer. Local disease is treated much differently than metastatic disease. The third is the molecular characterization of the tumor. Localized disease in a young woman is usually treated with surgery followed by hormonal blockers, chemotherapy and/or radiation. The schedule and treatment recommendations depend on specifics of the cancer. Metastatic disease treatment depends on where the metastasis occurs and what the symptoms might be.
An excellent reference is the guidelines prepared by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (nccn.org). This is a national group of cancer centers that meet annually or more often and publish guidelines which are continually updated. The guidelines are available to the general public online.
I recommend that your cousin see her oncologist with a list of questions and have a discussion with her oncologist for recommendations regarding the best treatment for her.
The treatment of breast cancer depends on several characteristics. One is the age and underlying health of the patient. The second is the location of the cancer. Local disease is treated much differently than metastatic disease. The third is the molecular characterization of the tumor. Localized disease in a young woman is usually treated with surgery followed by hormonal blockers, chemotherapy and/or radiation. The schedule and treatment recommendations depend on specifics of the cancer. Metastatic disease treatment depends on where the metastasis occurs and what the symptoms might be.
An excellent reference is the guidelines prepared by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (nccn.org). This is a national group of cancer centers that meet annually or more often and publish guidelines which are continually updated. The guidelines are available to the general public online.
I recommend that your cousin see her oncologist with a list of questions and have a discussion with her oncologist for recommendations regarding the best treatment for her.
Your question is a good one. Although simple, the answer is quite complex. Each modality of treatment you mention works differently and should not be interchanged with each other. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments while chemotherapy, immunotherapy and anti-estrogen treatments are systemic. Before initiating therapy, each patient’s tumor type should be detailed and understood as with this information a protocol will be set up sequencing each treatment needed. Surgery today is usual conservative, preserving the breast contour. Lymph nodes are usually sampled to stage the cancer if it is invasive. Chemotherapy if needed is very well tolerated. Each patient can request a cold cap to minimize hair loss. Radiation is usually associated with fatigue, but well-tolerated if needed. Having a good support team and a positive attitude makes the difference.
Thanks for the question. Best of luck!!!
Thanks for the question. Best of luck!!!
The treatment for breast cancer is determined by the size of the tumor, The number of lymph nodes that are involved with the cancer, and involvement of other organs, the estrogen and progesterone (hormone) markers. Other determinants are some other markers that may be on the cancer cells, HER2neu, BRAF, EGFR, etc. So, just knowing the diagnosis doesn't
necessarily determine what treatment is best. Also, such things as age, weight and general are all considered in the treatment of breast cancer. As far as the best treatment is concerned, there is not just one consideration that's involved. There are many different treatments and the selection of the best one is determined by many factors. The main thing is that it was discovered and treated with surgery...the treatment choice depends on many more factors that help determine "the best treatment."
necessarily determine what treatment is best. Also, such things as age, weight and general are all considered in the treatment of breast cancer. As far as the best treatment is concerned, there is not just one consideration that's involved. There are many different treatments and the selection of the best one is determined by many factors. The main thing is that it was discovered and treated with surgery...the treatment choice depends on many more factors that help determine "the best treatment."
Most people need some of everything. Unless the tumor is very aggressive of in an advanced stage, generally surgery is fine first to help determine what other treatment is needed. Following surgery, she may then need chemo to kill any cancer cells in the blood stream. If choosing a lumpectomy she will then need radiation as well. If the tumor is estrogen sensitive she will then need anti hormone pills. Most people need more than one type of therapy. Jen Reed
Options for breast cancer treatment is a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. There is no ‘best’ treatment. They all act on cancer differently. Your cousin’s doctor will outline a treatment plan for her particular case.
It is too broad a question to answer without specifics. However, in general surgery is required to remove the tumor and check the lymph glands under the arm. Frequently hormonal blocking agents like Tamoxifen are used as well as radiation and occasionally chemotherapy as well. There are times all 4 modalities and perhaps even immunotherapy are needed. Her best bet is to find a breast surgeon that specializes or is highly familiar with the treatment of breast cancer and he or she can then guide her moving forward.
