Medications, Surgery, Therapies and Lifestyle Support
A wide variety of effective treatments are available for breast cancer. Your treatment plan will depend on the type, stage and characteristics of the cancer, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Below is an overview of breast cancer treatment options, including medical treatments, surgical options, supportive therapies and healthy lifestyle changes that may help during recovery.
Medications (Systemic Treatments)
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. It may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence.
- Common drugs include Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and Paclitaxel (Taxol).
- Side effects can include hair loss, fatigue, nausea and low blood cell counts.
2. Hormone Therapy
This treatment blocks the effect of hormones like estrogen, which some breast cancers need to grow. It is used for hormone receptor-positive cancers.
- Drugs prescribed can include Tamoxifen, Letrozole or Anastrozole.
- The goal of hormone therapy is to reduce the recurrence risk after surgery or to slow the spread in advanced cases.
3. Targeted Therapy
Targeted drugs focus on specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. This option is less toxic than chemotherapy and more precise.
- Drugs prescribed can include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab (Perjeta) or Palbociclib (Ibrance).
- These medications are used for HER2-positive or advanced hormone-positive breast cancers.
Surgery Options
1. Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is also known as breast-conserving surgery, as it removes only the tumor and a small area surrounding it. It is often followed by radiation.
- It has a shorter recovery time and preserves most of the breast.
- This procedure is recommended for small, localized tumors.
2. Mastectomy
A mastectomy involves removing one or both breasts and may include lymph node removal. There are three types: simple, modified radical or skin/nipple-sparing. Some women choose breast reconstruction, which can be done at the same time or later.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy leftover cancer cells after surgery. The most common type of radiation is external beam radiation. Brachytherapy (internal radiation) is less common.
Common side effects may include skin irritation, fatigue and swelling.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Treatment
1. Healthy Nutrition
A balanced diet supports healing and overall wellness during and after treatment. Patients should eat more vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains. It's also important to stay hydrated and limit processed foods.
2. Exercise
Staying active can improve mood, energy and reduce side effects like fatigue. Try walking, light resistance training or yoga. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
3. Stress Management
Emotional support plays a huge role in coping with cancer. Patients should consider therapy, meditation, journaling or support groups. Mindfulness can also help improve mental wellbeing.
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol use can interfere with recovery and increase cancer recurrence risk. Seek professional help if you need support to quit.
Choosing a Personalized Treatment Plan
Your care team will help you design a treatment plan based on:
- Cancer stage and type (e.g., hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive).
- Your age, overall health, and treatment goals.
- Genetic testing results (e.g., BRCA mutations).
Final Notes
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for breast cancer, but the many options available today give hope and flexibility. By combining medical treatments with healthy lifestyle changes and emotional support, many women go on to lead long, fulfilling lives after diagnosis. Stay informed, advocate for yourself and lean on your healthcare team every step of the way.