Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Studies prove there's life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/10/Health/100212-health-breast-cancer-awareness-doctor-consultation.jpg

1 / 6

Treat Breast Cancer - According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer) and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. But thanks to improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women are surviving breast cancer today. Here are some of the treatment options available now. (Photo: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Tony Hansberry Jr.  - Whiz kid Tony Hansberry Jr., 18, was a student at Darnell Cookman School of Medical Arts when he developed a technique that reduces the surgical time for hysterectomies. Hansberry’s method proved to be three times faster than the traditional method. In 2009, Hansberry, age 15 at the time, demonstrated his technique to a large assembly of doctors and surgeons as part of the University of Florida’s medical education week. (Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

2 / 6

Breast Cancer Surgery - In surgery, doctors operate in an attempt to remove the cancerous tissue. In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed while a lumpectomy, or breast-conserving therapy, only removes the cancerous area along with a margin of healthy tissue. Some women opt for breast reconstructive surgery afterward to create the appearance of a full breast. (Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/06/Health/062912-health-obesity-diet-pill-belviq.jpg

3 / 6

Hormonal Therapy - Hormonal treatment blocks the cancer cells from obtaining the hormones (like estrogen) they need to grow. Cancers that are sensitive to hormones are referred to as estrogen receptor positive (ER positive) or progesterone receptor positive (PR positive) cancers. This therapy, coupled with other treatments, can decrease the likelihood of the cancer returning. (Photo: AP/File)

Biological Therapy - This works with your body’s immune system to help it fight off the cancer or control side effects from other treatments. Medicines are used to attack specific abnormalities within cancer cells. Herceptin, for example, targets cancer cells that make high levels of a protein called human growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, and blocks its production. (Photo: Luke MacGregor / Reuters)

4 / 6

Biological Therapy - This works with your body’s immune system to help it fight off the cancer or control side effects from other treatments. Medicines are used to attack specific abnormalities within cancer cells. Herceptin, for example, targets cancer cells that make high levels of a protein called human growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, and blocks its production. (Photo: Luke MacGregor / Reuters)

NAACP Presents “Fight Like a Girl” Program - To promote breast cancer awareness among African-American women, the NAACP’s Young Adult Committee will host on May 4 “Fight Like a Girl,” an all-day event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event will boast local female boxers, film screenings, educational panels and a gala, wrote the Milwaukee Courier. All proceeds will help Black breast cancer organization Sisters Network Milwaukee.  (Photo: Jean-Paul Pelissier/REUTERS )

5 / 6

Radiation - High-energy beams are used to kill the cancer cells by aiming the rays at the body part where they’re located. Radiation can also be directed from within by placing radioactive material inside your body. This treatment commonly follows a lumpectomy to manage cancers caught in the early stages. (Photo: Jean-Paul Pelissier / Reuters)

Complementary and Alternative Medicines  - Some patients use complementary medicines in addition to their standard procedures or decide to forgo usual treatments altogether in favor of these medicines as an alternative way of battling their cancer. Some examples include meditation, yoga and taking supplements like vitamins and herbs. But note that while these tactics may lessen side effects from the cancer, many have not been scientifically tested. Take an active stance in your care, research all forms of treatments, and speak with your physician before undergoing any alternative regimen. (Photo: Stuart Dee/Getty STOCK)

6 / 6

Complementary and Alternative Medicines  - Some patients use complementary medicines in addition to their standard procedures or decide to forgo usual treatments altogether in favor of these medicines as an alternative way of battling their cancer. Some examples include meditation, yoga and taking supplements like vitamins and herbs. But note that while these tactics may lessen side effects from the cancer, many have not been scientifically tested. Take an active stance in your care, research all forms of treatments, and speak with your physician before undergoing any alternative regimen. (Photo: Stuart Dee/Getty STOCK)