Breast Cancer Treatment
Your breast cancer treatment 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. Types of breast cancer treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. 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
- The stage of the cancer (see Breast Cancer Stages)
- The breast cancer type
- Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue
- A woman'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, breast cancer treatment options can include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Biological therapy.
Your doctor can describe your breast cancer 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 breast cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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