Breast cancer treatment has progressed dramatically in recent years, offering patients more effective solutions for tackling the disease. Whether through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, each treatment plays a crucial role in managing breast cancer. These methods are often combined to eliminate cancer cells, prevent recurrence, and improve survival rates. By integrating these approaches, patients receive a comprehensive care plan tailored to their specific condition.
Check out this detailed post on how each treatment works and its role in battling breast cancer.
Surgery for Breast Cancer
Surgery is often the first step in breast cancer treatment. It involves removing the tumour and sometimes the surrounding tissues to stop cancer from spreading.
Types of Surgery
The type of surgery depends on the stage and size of the tumour. There are two main types of surgeries:
- Lumpectomy: Also called breast-conserving surgery, this procedure removes the tumour along with some surrounding healthy tissue. It is usually followed by radiation therapy to minimise the chances of cancer returning.
- Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire breast to eliminate the tumour. Depending on the stage of cancer, patients can opt for a single mastectomy or a double mastectomy. There are also nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy options that help improve cosmetic outcomes after surgery.
Reconstructive Surgery
Many patients who undergo mastectomy choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. This can be done either using implants or by using tissue from other parts of the body. Reconstructive surgery helps restore the breast’s appearance and can have psychological benefits for the patient. The main goal of surgery is to eliminate cancer from the breast while aiming to preserve as much of the breast tissue as possible when applicable.
Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, helping to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Purpose of Chemotherapy
The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage and nature of the tumour, chemotherapy may be used at different points during treatment.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: This is given before surgery to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove.
- Adjuvant chemotherapy: After surgery, chemotherapy helps kill any remaining cancer cells that surgery might have missed, lowering the risk of recurrence.
- Palliative chemotherapy: In cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body, palliative chemotherapy is used to control symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Administration and Side Effects
Chemotherapy is typically administered through an IV or oral medication. Treatments are given in cycles, followed by recovery periods. While chemotherapy is highly effective, it does come with side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. However, thanks to advancements in medicine, many of these side effects are now more manageable.
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest wall, or lymph nodes. It plays a critical role in lowering the chances of the cancer coming back.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two main types of radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment:
- External Beam Radiation: The most common type, where high-energy rays are directed at the cancer site from outside the body.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): This involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells. It’s less common but can be used in specific cases to target cancer more precisely.
When is Radiation Used?
Radiation therapy is recommended after a lumpectomy to ensure any remaining cancer cells are destroyed. In some cases, it’s also used after a mastectomy, especially if the tumour is large or if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Radiation therapy can cause short-term side effects like fatigue and skin irritation, but these generally improve after the treatment is completed.
Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach
The combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation provides the most comprehensive breast cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary approach helps address all aspects of the disease, from the primary tumour in the breast to potential cancer cells that could spread through the body. With the right team, patients receive personalised care, improving outcomes and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Follow-Up and Support
After completing treatment, follow-up care is essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to manage side effects. Regular check-ups, imaging tests, and ongoing support from healthcare providers play a vital role in recovery. Patients also benefit from emotional and psychological support during and after treatment. Cancer rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, counselling, and support groups, help patients regain strength and manage the emotional challenges of recovery.
Know more about : 6 Lifestyle Changes to Improve Life after Breast Cancer Treatment
Conclusion
Breast cancer treatment involves a careful balance of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to give patients the best chance of recovery. Surgery removes the tumour, chemotherapy targets cancer cells throughout the body, and radiation therapy cleans up any remaining cells in the breast. With these treatments working together, patients can look forward to improved survival rates and a higher quality of life post-treatment. Regular follow-up care and emotional support are crucial parts of the recovery journey, helping patients thrive beyond their diagnosis.