Breast Cancer Treatment

Some of the available treatments for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Your individual options will depend on the type of breast cancer you have, what stage the disease is in, and whether it is new or recurring cancer. Your doctor can discuss your breast cancer treatment options with you and help you determine a plan that is right for you.

An Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment

Different types of treatment are available for people with
 breast cancer. Treatment options vary based on:
 
  • The stage of the cancer (see Breast Cancer Stages)
  • The breast cancer type
  • Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue
  • A person's age, general health, and menopausal status (whether a woman is still having menstrual periods)
  • Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
     
In general, treatment options for breast cancer can include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Biological therapy.
     
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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