Treatments for Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
No two treatment plans are alike because no two patients are. Your breast cancer treatment will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, tumor type, health history, and preferences. Our multidisciplinary team will walk you through each step and help you make confident, informed decisions.
Common Breast Cancer Treatments
Surgery - to remove the cancer
This may involve a lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Your care team will help determine which is best based on tumor size, location, and personal preferences.
Chemotherapy – to destroy cancer cells throughout the body
Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, especially in more aggressive or advanced cancers. It targets fast-growing cancer cells wherever they may be.
Radiation Therapy – to kill remaining cancer cells
Often used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, radiation targets cancer cells in the breast or nearby lymph nodes.
Hormone Therapy – if your cancer grows in response to hormones
For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+), medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors can block or lower estrogen to help prevent recurrence.
Proton Therapy – a precise form of radiation
Proton therapy protects healthy tissues like the heart and lungs, making it ideal for left-sided breast cancer or complex cases requiring extra precision.
Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy – for cancers with specific genetic features
Some breast cancers, such as HER2-positive or triple-negative, may benefit from targeted therapies or immunotherapy, which aim to block cancer growth or boost the immune system’s response.
Your Care Team,
Every Step of the Way
Your treatment plan will be created and monitored by a team of specialists, including:
Medical oncologists (cancer treatment experts)
Breast surgeons
Radiation oncologists
Genetic counselors
Nurse navigators
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
Supportive care providers
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Listen to USA Gold Medalist Shannon Miller's journey with breast cancer. Her story highlights the importance of early detection, swift treatment, and a supportive team in your corner.