Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Introduction

This booklet is designed to help women diagnosed with breast cancer make informed decisions about their treatment options. It is intended to be a valuable guide that empowers women to partner with their healthcare team in making choices about their treatment.

Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure used to remove a sample of tissue from the breast to determine if cancer is present. There are different types of biopsies, including fine needle aspiration, core biopsy, and surgical biopsies (incisional and excisional).

Making a Decision

When making a decision about treatment, women should consider getting a second opinion, reading more about their options, and talking to other women who have had breast cancer. It is also important to have a complete study of the breast tissue and prepare for treatment.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women today. It occurs in all ages and races, and getting older increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Early detection is crucial, as there are more treatment options when cancer is found early.

Staging of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is staged based on the size and spread of the tumor. There are five stages, from Stage 0 (very early cancer) to Stage IV (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).

Survival Rates

When cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rates are very high. Almost all women with Stage 0 cancer will have a normal lifespan, and the survival rates for Stage I and Stage II cancers are also high.

Risk Factors for Recurrence

Some women are at higher risk for the spread and return of breast cancer. Risk factors include tumor size, lymph nodes, and cell studies that measure the growth rate and aggressiveness of the tumor cells.

Treatment Options

The most common breast surgeries are lumpectomy and mastectomy. Lumpectomy removes the breast cancer and a little normal breast tissue, while mastectomy removes the entire breast. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also common treatments for breast cancer.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a routine option for women who have lost a breast due to cancer. It is surgery to "rebuild" a breast and can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or several months or years later.

Emotional Healing

It is normal to have trouble coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Women may experience fear, anger, denial, frustration, and other emotions. It can help to talk about feelings with loved ones, join support groups, or seek counseling.

Complementary Therapies

Some women explore complementary therapies in addition to their medical treatment. These therapies include acupuncture, herbs, visualization, meditation, yoga, nutritional supplements, and vitamins. It is important to discuss these therapies with doctors and be aware that they may be expensive and not covered by insurance.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are controlled scientific studies set up to answer questions about how to prevent, detect, or treat cancer. People who join clinical trials have a chance to benefit from new research and contribute to medical science.

Your Treatment Team

A team of medical experts is involved in treating breast cancer, including anesthesiologists, clinical nurse specialists, oncologists, pathologists, physical therapists, plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, social workers, and surgeons.

Helpful Information

The booklet provides information on breast cancer organizations and services that can provide support and resources. It also includes a glossary of terms related to breast cancer and treatment.

Where to Get Help

For more information or to talk to someone about breast cancer, women can call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Hotline at 1-800-4-CANCER. This hotline offers free state-of-the-art information in English or Spanish on treatment, clinical trials, eating hints, advanced cancer, and services in your area.