When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, a lot of questions probably flood your mind. You may wonder how the recovery process for your specific type of cancer is going to look or what your options are. Your doctor can give you a detailed explanation of the treatments he or she recommends, but knowing some basic information when you go into your appointment may calm some preliminary anxieties.
What Treatments Are Available?
Breast cancer treatments vary based on the specific type of cancer you have and its receptor status. This determines the type of response needed and how aggressive the treatment must be. After diagnosis, there are four main treatment options your doctor may suggest:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies
Another common practice involves a surgical procedure in which either the cancerous lump is taken out (lumpectomy), or the whole breast is removed (mastectomy). The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes to discover if or how far cancer has spread.
What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs that kill cancer cells. Many people experience numerous side effects with chemotherapy:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Low iron levels in the blood
- Fatigue
- Compromised immunity
- Hair loss
Chemotherapy medication may be given topically, orally or by injection. The process is repeated a certain number of times or deemed ineffective, whichever comes first.
When Is Hormone Therapy Appropriate?
Some types of breast cancer test positive for hormone receptors. When this happens, endocrine therapy, or hormone deprivation, may be an effective treatment, particularly when combined with other therapies. By getting rid of the hormones that trigger cancer cell growth, your doctor may be able to shrink an existing tumour, slow its rate of growth or increase your chances for remission. As a result, you can typically expect your symptoms to subside. Hormone therapy is administered either orally or by injection.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Even when a tumour is surgically removed, you and your doctor want to make sure that all the cancer cells in the surrounding area are killed. Radiation therapy targets those cells and eradicates them. Each treatment lasts about 15 minutes and involves aiming concentrated x-rays at the area that contains cancerous cells. In general, most radiation treatments are administered over four or five weeks. However, factors such as age, overall health and individual diagnosis determine exactly how many sessions are needed.
How Do You Care for Your Skin While Undergoing Radiation Treatment?
You may notice a distinct change in your skin when you receive radiation therapy. Specifically, it is common for skin to become hypersensitive and irritated. While you want to avoid applying any product to the area immediately before treatment, talk to your doctor about a cream that you can use to soothe any irritation that happens between sessions. It is also helpful to wear soft, loosely fitting clothing to minimise friction against the skin. Take extra precaution to protect the area from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
When Are Targeted Therapies Used?
Much of the research on cancer treatments seek to find alternatives to chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells but does not distinguish between malignant and healthy cells. Targeted therapies are designed to hone only on cancer cells to slow their growth and keep them from spreading. Targeted therapies are not effective for all cancers, though. Talk to your doctor to see if this is an appropriate option for you.
While a breast cancer diagnosis is a cause for concern, understanding all the available treatments may help you realise that it is likely treatable. Your oncologist can advise the best treatment for your particular diagnosis and get you on the road to recovery.