Breast Cancer Treatment

In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer. The decisions—surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy—can feel overwhelming.
Overview of Options
What types of treatment are available and which might be appropriate for you.
Surgery Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph node dissection, and what to expect from each.
Radiation Therapy What it is, who it's for, advantages, side effects, and what to expect when you get it.Herceptin How it works, who should get it, how it's given, side effects, and major studies.
Hormonal Therapy The link between hormones and breast cancer and how different groups of drugs—including ERDs, SERMs and aromatase inhibitors—can affect that link.
Chemo therapy Who should get it, how it works, different types, side effects and how to manage them.
Targeted Therapies How targeted therapies work, different types, who they're for, and side effected.
Complementary Medicine How complementary medicine techniques such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga could be a helpful addition to your regular medical treatment. Includes research on complementary techniques and ways to find qualified practitioners.
Building Long-Term Health Why it's so important to stick to your treatment plan, take the full course of medications, and continue with regular tests and doctors' visits to keep yourself healthy into the future.