This article explains the various treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and clinical trials. She can also discuss side effects and individual considerations.
The diagnosis of a breast cancer can be devastating, but it's critical to understand that there are many treatment options out there. Each case is unique, and the choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Surgery is often the first step in treating breast cancer. Two main types of surgery are commonly used:
This procedure aims to remove the tumour while maintaining as much of the healthy breast tissue as possible.
This is the complete removal of the breast. Depending on the severity of the condition, a mastectomy may be recommended.
The use of powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. While this can lead to side effects such as nausea and hair loss, new approaches are reducing these effects.
These treatments specifically target genetic abnormalities or proteins involved in tumor growth. They can be used in combination with other therapies.
For cancers that are sensitive to hormones, medications can block or suppress the production of hormones that promote tumor growth.
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. This may be recommended after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells.
Clinical trials represent a promising avenue for treatment innovation. These studies evaluate new medications or therapies to determine how effective they are. Participating in a clinical trial can offer treatment options before they become widely available.
Online databases, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, list ongoing trials. Patients can also talk to their medical team about it.
Each trial has specific criteria, such as the stage of the disease, general health, and other factors. Interested patients should discuss their eligibility with their medical team.
Each treatment option has potential side effects. Managing side effects is a crucial part of the treatment process. Medical teams work closely with patients to mitigate these effects as much as possible.
The choice of treatment also depends on the patient's personal preferences and lifestyle. Some women may opt for a preventive mastectomy, even in the absence of cancer, due to genetic predisposition.
Whatever your treatment, we encourage you to talk to patients who have gone through similar stages. The Ouch! app give you the opportunity to meet virtually for patients affected by breast cancer. You can exchange experiences with them, get practical advice, participate in breast cancer surveys and studies with the support of the user community. Ouch! also offers links to specialized associations, providing additional resources and a crucial support network.
In conclusion, the treatment of breast cancer is a complex process that requires a personalized approach. Continued advances in research offer new options and hope. Whether through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, or clinical trials, every woman needs to be informed and supported throughout her healing journey.
Outch! is a health application aimed at helping patients affected by chronic illnesses and acute pain understand their symptoms by identifying their triggers, adopting adapted routines to improve their daily lives, while receiving rewards for their attendance.
