Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women, although men can develop it too. Early detection and advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates. If you’ve just been diagnosed, it’s essential to understand your condition and the various treatment options available.
What treatment options are available?
Breast cancer treatment is highly personalised, depending on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the best approach. Here are some common treatment options:
Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS)
Breast Conservation Surgery, also known as a lumpectomy or wide local excision, involves removing the cancerous tissue along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to eliminate the cancer while retaining as much of the breast as possible. BCS is often followed by radiotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy involves the removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. There are several types of mastectomy:
Total Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast along with some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue, sparing most of the skin, allowing for immediate reconstruction.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola.
Mastectomy can be followed by breast reconstruction, which may be performed immediately or delayed, depending on your treatment plan and personal preference.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove, or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is systemic, meaning it affects the whole body, and it can help treat cancer that has spread beyond the breast.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used after BCS to reduce the risk of recurrence in the remaining breast tissue. Radiotherapy can also be used after mastectomy, particularly if the cancer was large or had spread to the lymph nodes.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink tumours, making them easier to remove and allowing for less extensive surgery. It can also help to assess how the cancer responds to treatment, which can be useful for planning further treatment.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is used to treat cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. These cancers grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. Hormonal therapy drugs block the body's ability to produce these hormones or interfere with their effects on cancer cells. It is typically used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells without affecting normal cells. This approach is less toxic than chemotherapy. One common type of targeted therapy is for HER2-positive breast cancer, which has high levels of the HER2 protein that promotes cancer cell growth. Targeted drugs block the action of this protein, slowing or stopping cancer growth.
What’s next?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming, but understanding your condition and treatment options can help you feel more in control. Treatment is tailored to each individual, considering the type and stage of cancer, personal health, and preferences. Your healthcare team, including your oncoplastic breast surgeon, will guide you through this journey, providing the support and care you need to make informed decisions about your treatment. Remember, many women go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after breast cancer treatment.
