Breast Cancer

Treatment

In order to make an informed decision about how to proceed with treatment, it is important for women to understand the various ways in which breast cancer can be treated. The doctors at Mercy will explain the full range of options to their patients and carefully consider patient input when making a decision about treatment.

The type of treatments available to a patient depends on a variety of factors, including size and location of the tumor, the results of tests done on the cancer cells, stage of the disease, and the woman's age and general health.

Treatment Options

• Surgery consists of either a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast, or breast-sparing surgery (lumpectomy, partial mastectomy), often followed by radiation therapy. The different types of surgery should be discussed with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. The radiation may come from a machine or from radioactive implants within the breast.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are taken orally or intravenously, for a limited period of time, at regular intervals.
• Hormone therapy keeps cancer cells from growing by depriving them of the hormones they need to grow. There are numerous hormone pills, including Tamoxifen, Arimidex, and Megace.

All of these treatments can cause unpleasant side effects. Mercy's continuity of care includes follow-up treatment to help ease these effects and aid in post-treatment rehabilitation.

The course of breast cancer
Diagnosis and early detection
Treatment
Living with cancer
Making the right decisions