Treatment

 
In the past two decades, great improvements have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. As a result, most breast cancer patients now live for at least 10 years after their diagnosis. Although each woman's treatment will be slightly different, it generally involves some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and/or trastuzumab (Herceptin). Deciding on a particular treatment is as much a personal matter for women as it is a medical one.

Step 1: Learn all you can

Take some time to learn all you can about your type of breast cancer. Try not to let anyone pressure you into making a decision about your course of treatment before you are ready. Visit the library, search the internet, request pamphlets from health care providers and organizations and ask your doctor(s) questions so you may understand your options.

Questions to ask your doctor:
 

  How long do I have to make a treatment decision?

  Which form of treatment offers me the best chance of survival?
  Where will my surgical scars be and what will they look like?
  What is my prognosis?
  Will I need a blood transfusion? Can I donate my own blood?
  What side effects can I expect during each stage of treatment?
  How do I manage the side effects?  
  How long will I have to stay in the hospital? How much work will I miss?
  How many of my axillary nodes are involved?
  Will I need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or biological therapy?
  Why or why not?
       
Step 2: Get a second opinion

It is very common to seek a second or even third opinion from other specialists. Some insurance companies and HMOs actually require you to get a second opinion. Most doctors will not be offended that you want a second opinion. After all, it can only add to your knowledge about your breast cancer.

Step 3: Get a medical team

Finding good doctors to work with you is the best way to decide what treatments are right for you. Most insurance plans will provide you with a list of doctors to choose from. Call the local office of the American Medical Association or go online at www.ama-assn.org to find out more about the doctors in your area.

Click here to learn more about treatment options and risks.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies conducted with actual patients. These studies test the safety and potential benefits of new treatments and the effectiveness of new ways to diagnose or prevent disease. They also identify risks of specific drug or treatment that may not yet be known.  Clinical trials have been responsible for many advances in breast cancer treatment, such as lumpectomy, the use of tamoxifen and screening mammography.