Breast Cancer Treatment

Your treatment plan depends on your health, cancer type, and personal preferences. Treatments may be combined or used alone. Your doctor will recommend the best combination based on your unique case.

Understanding Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Surgery

Usually the first step to remove cancerous tissue. Options include:
Lumpectomy: Removes the tumor plus a small margin of healthy tissue.
Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast; may also include lymph nodes and some chest muscle.

Radiotherapy

Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Often given after surgery to eliminate leftover cells.
Can shrink tumors before surgery.
Also helps relieve symptoms if cancer has spread.

Chemotherapy

Chemical drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Given before surgery to shrink tumors or after to kill remaining cells.
Can cause side effects like hair loss and nausea since it affects normal dividing cells too.
Administered via tablets or injections over several months.

Anti-Hormone Therapy

For cancers stimulated by estrogen (ER+).
Blocks or reduces estrogen to prevent cancer growth.
Taken as daily tablets after surgery or chemotherapy to lower recurrence risk.

Targeted Therapy

Drugs designed to attack specific molecules on cancer cells.
Less harmful to normal cells, so fewer side effects.
Example: Herceptin (trastuzumab) for HER2+ breast cancer (~20% of cases).
Given during or after chemotherapy to prevent recurrence.

Start your health journey with reliable lab testing

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

01 When can breast reconstruction be done?

Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy, so you wake up with a breast mound in place, or it can be done later after your cancer treatment is complete, depending on your preference and medical advice.

02 What are the common methods of breast reconstruction?

Reconstruction can be done using breast implants (silicone or saline), tissue flaps from your own body, or a combination of both. The choice depends on your breast size, health, and surgeon’s recommendation.

03 Will the other breast be altered during reconstruction?

Sometimes, to achieve symmetry, the unaffected breast may be lifted (mastopexy), reduced (reduction mammoplasty), or augmented with an implant. However, if you prefer not to alter the other breast, discuss this with your surgeon to explore options.