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A Complete Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment Options

By Dr. Charu Garg in Radiation Oncology , Cancer Care / Oncology , Breast Cancer , Gynecologic Oncology

Feb 19 , 2021 | 3 min read

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among Indian women, surpassing cervical cancer. It is more common in urban areas as compared to rural areas. The age group most commonly affected is 50-64 years. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 22 to 1 in 29 women in India will develop breast cancer in their lifetime The statistics have shown that the sooner the cancer is detected, the higher the chances of cure, and more are the options of modalities of the treatment. Also, the cancer detected in earlier stages needs less treatment.

The treatment of any cancer is initiated once we have a biopsy-proven cancer. It is a myth that biopsy aggravates the speed of cancer, to understand the type of breast cancer and decide further treatment of breast cancer, a biopsy is a must. Treatment options for breast cancer have increased significantly in recent years, offering more personalised and effective approaches. The treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. A combination of these modalities is used and is dependent on the type and stage of the breast cancer.

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and includes breast conservation surgery- lumpectomy (removing the tumour and some surrounding tissue) and mastectomy (removing the entire breast). The choice of surgery depends on factors like tumour size, location, patient’s overall condition, etc. It is always advisable to discuss the options of surgery with the surgeon and understand the pros and cons of both surgeries. The breast can be saved by doing breast conservation surgery and adding radiation therapy, and both these modalities together save the organ and give equivalent outcomes. Breast reconstructive surgeries can be done immediately or later.

Radiation therapy is a painless procedure, which is done using high-energy X-rays and eliminates the remaining cancer cells in the breast. Radiation therapy has its effects and side effects only in the area treated and nowhere else in the body. With advanced techniques like Deep inspiratory breath hold, Image guidance radiotherapy and Intensity-modulated radiation, the side effects can be reduced and also the treatment duration can be curtailed. The total duration of the radiation therapy will depend upon the type of surgery, stage, etc. It is typically between 3-4 weeks. Chemotherapy are drugs which are generally given as an injection, it can be given before surgery or after surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer. It shrinks the tumour and also prevents the disease from coming back anywhere else in the body. It has side effects like hair loss, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, etc., but these can be effectively controlled with supportive medications.

Hormonal therapy is oral medications which are prescribed for patients who are hormone receptor-positive. It reduces or blocks the hormone thereby decreasing the chances of the cancer coming back.

Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of certain breast cancers. For instance. Trastuzumab for HER- 2/Positive breast cancers significantly improves outcomes for this aggressive subtype.

Immunotherapy is a newer approach which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It is used in certain subtypes of cancer.

Genetic counselling is advised for patients with positive family history or in certain subtypes of cancer.

This era is of personalised medical therapies and each patient is different. The treatment of breast cancer is long, but with the patient’s positive frame of mind, the support of near and dear ones and a robust team of doctors, it is possible to win over this disease.

Patients should engage actively with their doctors and healthcare providers and question and participate in decision-making about their treatment. Remember, cancer is curable if detected in the early stages. So do not ignore the signs, adopt a healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise, a good diet and optimal weight. This is pink October - breast cancer awareness month. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and get regular screening done.