Breast Cancer Treatment: Questions & Answers

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women around the world. As per WHO, around 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer were detected in 2020 globally. The death toll from breast cancer stood at 685,000.

Timely detection and correct treatment are imperative to save lives from breast cancer. Thus, regular screening not only in the hospital but even at home is essential to catch the disease early on.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there may be several questions coming into your mind regarding treatment and you must be confused about how to choose the best one for yourself. Here, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about breast cancer treatment for your understanding.

1. What is the most common treatment for breast cancer?

Most breast cancer patients undergo surgery for the condition.  However, besides surgery, several other treatment options also exist such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy. Sometimes chemotherapy will be given before the surgery.

The best course of action for your breast cancer depends on factors like the stage,  size, and grade of your breast cancer, your age, and how sensitive the cancer cells are to your hormones. The oncologist also has to consider your overall health while recommending a treatment to you.

Since choosing a treatment for breast cancer is a complex decision, you can take a second opinion from a qualified oncologist to ensure that you are making the right decision.

2. Do I need surgery for stage I breast cancer?

The standard treatment for stage I breast cancer is surgery. Since the tumor is small, a breast-conserving surgery also known as a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy can be done to remove the tumor. This will help to preserve the breast. However, some women also go for a mastectomy in which the breast tissues are removed completely. However, you can go for breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy.

3. What is the cost of breast cancer treatment?

The cost of breast cancer treatment Starting from USD 3000 it will vary depending on factors like your insurance, the stage of breast cancer, the country where you live,  the qualifications and experience of the oncologist, and the hospital where you will receive the treatment.

4. Can breast cancer be treated without surgery?

Besides surgery, there are other treatment options for breast cancer that you should discuss with your oncologist. These include

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy employs drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, vomiting, nausea, and lowered blood counts.

• Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered radiation to kill cancer cells. Patients who have undergone radiation therapy can experience symptoms like breast pain and skin irritation.

• Hormone therapy

Hormones therapy like progesterone and estrogen bind to the receptors of breast cancer cells to promote their growth. Hormone therapy is a form of treatment that prevents these hormones from binding to the receptors. However, some types of hormone therapies can lead to side effects such as vaginal discharge, irregular periods, and a lowered sex drive.

5. Is breast cancer curable?

If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, it can be cured by a combination of radiation therapy, surgery, and sometimes medications. Usually, patients have a higher survival rate if the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages. However, if cancer has spread to other regions of the body, also known as metastatic breast cancer, then it is difficult to cure. Still, today there are many treatment options that have improved the survival rates of women suffering from metastatic breast cancer.

6. Who treats breast cancer?

Depending on the type of treatment you receive, several different types of doctors can be a part of your treatment team. Such as

• Surgical oncologist: A surgical oncologist is specialized in performing surgeries for removing the tumor.
• Medical oncologist:  A medical oncologist can treat cancer by using methods such as immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
• Radiation oncologist: A radiation oncologist treats breast cancer using radiation.

In addition to these doctors, a plastic surgeon may also help with repairing or
reconstructing the different body parts. There may be other healthcare providers on your team such as psychologists, nurses, and nutritionists.

7. Where can I get the best treatment for breast cancer?

You should start searching for an experienced oncologist and an accredited hospital in your area that can provide the best treatment for your breast cancer. The qualifications, experience, and credentials of the oncologist matter. The hospital should also have all the facilities and modern treatments to provide the best possible care. If your region lacks expert oncologists and accredited hospitals, then you can look for affordable and high-quality breast cancer treatment in another country.
MediGence connects you with board-certified oncologists and accredited hospitals in the destination of your choice. We make your travel to another country for breast cancer treatment hassle-free by assisting you at every step of the journey.

Conclusion

When diagnosed with breast cancer, you must be worried about your survival and the treatment you should get. However, due to the advancement in medical research, there are many treatment options that have improved the life expectancy of breast cancer patients. With proper screening, if the cancer is caught early, it can even be cured. Get in touch with expert oncologists to know the best treatment options for your breast cancer.

References: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment.html