Five treatment options if one is diagnosed with breast cancer

With the advancement of medicine, the range of cancer treatment options has been broadened. 

These treatments are based on the time of detection of the cancer. There are four stages of cancer with stage one and two being the early stages while stages three and four being the late stages. Depending on the stage at which cancer was detected the treatment options will vary. For cancer detected in its early stages the treatment possibilities are more and more effective as compared to cancer stages three and four. 

We need not to lose hope because cancer has become more manageable and the treatment success rate has improved over the years. With the numerous researches done it’s easier to detect breast cancer in its early stages as well as prevention options for individuals at high risk like getting a mastectomy which is the removal of the breast tissue.

It’s important to do a physical examination after your monthly period in order to detect any changes in your breast and for women over the age of 40 screening once every year is recommended.

Below are some treatment options available if diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Surgery

This is also going through a mastectomy. Here the doctor cuts out the cancer tissue on the breast. This is one of the most effective ways of treating cancer especially in its early stages. This is because it effectively stops the spread of the cancerous cells to the lymphnodes.

Chemotherapy

This is the most common way of treating cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to reduce the size of the cancer cells or kill them altogether. These drugs are either administered through pills or intravenously and in extreme cases both are administered. Chemotherapy like other medication has a wide range of side effects including falling out of hair and weakening of the immune system. It’s important to maintain a healthy diet before, during and after chemotherapy treatment.

Hormonal therapy

This is the process of blocking the cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow and stay alive. It’s basically starving the cancer cells which will eventually cause them to weaken and die. In most cases, the estrogen hormone is suppressed as having it in high amounts is one of the causes of breast cancer.

Biological therapy

This is using your own immune system to fight and kill the cancer cells. Basically, your immune system is given supplements that help in fighting off the cancer cells. Biological therapy also aids in reducing the severeness of the side effects of other cancer treatment methods such as chemotherapy as it boosts your immunity.

Radiation therapy

This is using high energy rays to kill the cancer cells. These are special rays similar to X-rays that are used to kill cancer cells and treat tumors. The rays are concentrated on the area with the cancerous cells killing them.

It is important to go through all the available treatment plans with your doctor and have them explain the effectiveness as well as the side effects associated with each line of treatment. They should be able to advise you on which line of treatment is best for you and also advise you on how to prepare for the treatment. Getting a second opinion is highly encouraged.