Breast Cancer Therapy

Monday 06th of February 2012

> Cancer Treatment Home >> Cancer Treatments >> Breast Cancer Therapy

The type of Breast Cancer Therapy you choose largely depends on the type of breast cancer, its size and position, whether it has spread, the woman's age and general health and the woman's preference.

Surgery and radiotherapy are classed as local treatments (as they affect a localised, specific area).

Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are classed as systemic treatments (as they have the potential to affect the whole body).Generally some type of surgery is recommended form the orthodox world, and massive detoxification and nutritional saturation is recommended from the alternative breast cancer therapy professionals.

Surgical Breast Cancer Therapy

Lumpectomy/Partial mastectomy: In most cases, the breast cancer tumour can be removed without having to remove the entire breast (referred to as breast conserving surgery).
Mastectomy: This operation involves removing the entire breast and all of the breast tissue from just below the collarbone to the upper abdomen. A "simple mastectomy" is when just breast tissue is removed. A "modified radical mastectomy" is when the lymph glands under the arm are also removed.

Axillary node dissection: Usually standard practice during surgery for breast cancer to remove up to half of the axillary lymph nodes for testing.

Breast reconstruction: After mastectomy, some women may chose to have the breast reconstructed. This can be done at the time of the mastectomy or at a later date. The breast cancer therapy surgery is usually performed by a plastic surgeon.

Non Surgical Breast Cancer Therapy

Additional treatments are commonly given after surgical removal of the breast cancer. One or a combination of these treatments may be recommended.

Radiotherapy: This uses radiation to destroy any cancer cells that may be left in the breast. It is most commonly used after lumpectomy/partial mastectomy.

Chemotherapy: This may be given if spread of the cancer is suspected or confirmed and is usually given soon after surgery. Chemotherapy medications can be given by tablet or as injections into the blood stream. Usually it is a combination of both.

Hormone therapy: For cases where the breast cancer is hormone receptor positive, hormone therapy may be prescribed to help prevent recurrence of the breast cancer. These medications work by blocking the hormone receptors on the breast cancer cells, preventing hormones binding to them and stimulating growth.

Biological therapy: This type of treatment includes a class of anticancer medications called “monoclonal antibodies”. These medications are formulated to target cancer cells, rather than normal healthy cells.

Alternative Breast Cancer Therapy

In the field of alternative treatments for any type of cancer the routine is fairly similar. Specifically for Breast Cancer Therapy the removal of dairy products and soy from the diet and parabens cosmetics is a must.