Genetic Causes Hormonal Causes Lifesyle and Dietry Benign Breast Disease Environmental Causes
Stage 0 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Screening Mammogram Clinical Breast Exam Breast Self-Exam
Surgery Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Side Effects Follow up care
   American Breast Cancer Association    Breast Cancer Welfare Association    Breast Cancer Association of Queensland    Swedish Breast Cancer Association (BRO)    The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation    Inflammatory Breast Cancer Association


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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.

We help you understand your cancer stage and appropriate options, so you and your doctors can arrive at the best treatment plan for YOU.

In the following pages of the Treatment section, you can learn about:
1. Surgery :


Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph node dissection, and what to expect from each.


2. Radiation Therapy :


What it is, who it's for, advantages, side effects, and what to expect when you get it.


3. Chemotherapy :


Who should get it, how it works, different types, side effects, and how to manage them.



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Survivors' Follow-Up Care

Women who have had are at risk for a second episode of new breast cancer in the opposite breast. This risk is estimated at 0.5 to 1 percent per year. The risk is higher in women who first have cancer at a younger age and those with inherited forms of breast cancer.

After your treatment is over, it is very important to keep all follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctors will ask about symptoms and may do physical exams, and order lab tests or imaging tests. Follow-up is needed to check for cancer recurrence or spread, as well as possible side effects of certain treatments. This is the time for you to ask your health care team any questions you need answered and to discuss any concerns you might have.

Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to several months, but others can be permanent. Don't hesitate to tell your cancer care team about any symptoms or side effects that bother you so they can help you manage them.

The following are important matters that needed attention related to follow-up care:



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