Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, most patients recover. Breast cancer treatment, is done according to the stage of the disease, the structure of the tumor and the general health of the patient.

In what cases is breast cancer treatment performed?

Treatment is planned according to the stage of the disease, the characteristics of the tumor, and the general health of the patient. There are certain criteria for starting treatment. Different methods can be applied to each patient.

Diagnosis is made through imaging techniques such as biopsy, mammography, ultrasound or MRI. Once the stage of the cancer is determined, a treatment plan is created. There are early stages such as Stage 0 (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ – DCIS). In advanced stages such as Stage 4 (metastatic cancer), different treatment options are applied.

Some types of breast cancer can grow more quickly. Types like triple-negative breast cancer or HER2-positive breast cancer have a higher risk of spreading. These aggressive tumors need to be treated early.

Hormonal therapy is used for tumors that are sensitive to estrogen or progesterone receptors, while targeted therapies come into play for HER2-positive cancers.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the treatment method changes. The spread may be to organs such as the bone, liver, lungs or brain. In this case, treatment is mostly applied to control the cancer. The aim is to extend the patient's life.

Individuals with gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at higher risk of breast cancer. Treatment options such as preventive surgery or early diagnosis are considered for these individuals.

In conclusion, breast cancer treatment is determined by the type of disease. Depending on the spread, personalized treatment is applied. Early diagnosis greatly increases the success of treatment.

What are the Breast Cancer Treatment Methods?

Breast cancer treatment, is determined by the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor, and the patient's general health. The treatment plan is personalized and usually uses a combination of more than one method.

One of the most common methods used in treatment is surgery. Mastectomy is a type of surgery that involves the complete removal of the breast. Lumpectomy is a surgical method that only removes the tumorous area and preserves the breast.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is especially used to remove remaining cancer cells after surgery. This method is effective in reducing the risk of the disease recurring.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually used for advanced breast cancer or aggressive tumors. It can be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.

It is a method used in hormone receptor positive breast cancers. It aims to reduce the effect of estrogen or progesterone hormones on the tumor. It is applied with drugs such as Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors.

Targeted therapy is an approach that targets only cancer cells without harming healthy cells. It is applied with drugs such as Trastuzumab, which is used especially in HER2 positive breast cancers.

Breast cancer treatment, It varies according to the stage of the disease and individual characteristics. Early diagnosis significantly increases the success of treatment.

How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Breast cancer treatment, is determined by the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. The general health of the patient is also an important factor in the treatment process. The treatment process is carried out with a multidisciplinary approach in which different specialists work together.

One of the most commonly used methods of treatment is surgery. In lumpectomy surgery, only the tumorous tissue is removed. With this method, the breast is preserved. In mastectomy surgery, the entire breast is removed. Surgery is usually preferred in early-stage cancers. Sometimes it is applied together with other treatment methods.

Radiotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells after surgery. High-energy rays are used in this method. It is especially common in patients who have had breast-conserving surgery. Radiotherapy is effective in reducing the risk of recurrence.

Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is used to shrink the tumor before surgery (neoadjuvant). It aims to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence after surgery (adjuvant). It is an effective method especially for aggressive tumors and advanced breast cancer.

It is important to regulate hormone levels in hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients. This treatment aims to prevent the cancer from growing. Drugs such as Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors are used in this process.

Targeted therapy works by targeting only cancer cells. It works without harming healthy tissue. It is especially applied to HER2 positive breast cancers. Treatment is supported by drugs such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin).

Breast cancer treatment is planned specifically for the patient. Different treatment methods can be applied together. Early diagnosis greatly increases the success of treatment.

What is the Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Process Like?

After breast cancer treatment patients begin a new process. This period may include significant physical, psychological and social changes. Patients can live a healthy life with regular check-ups, lifestyle changes and psychological support.

After treatment, patients should continue to have regular doctor check-ups. These check-ups are done to see if the cancer has recurred. Screenings such as mammography, ultrasound and blood tests are performed at certain intervals. The patient's general health is also evaluated.

After treatment, some patients may experience fatigue, lymphedema (arm swelling), or skin sensitivity. The side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy decrease over time. Exercise and a healthy diet are important factors that support physical recovery.

Patients may experience psychological difficulties after breast cancer. Depression and anxiety may be encountered. During this process, it is beneficial to receive psychological support and join support groups. Family and friend support is also important for morale.

Eating healthy and exercising regularly are very important in the post-treatment period. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Stress management techniques can also improve patients' quality of life.

Breast cancer treatment The post-operative process may vary from patient to patient. However, with regular follow-up, healthy living habits and psychological support, patients can live a healthy life in the long term.