Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Studies prove there's life after a breast cancer diagnosis.
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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 options for treatments are growing as research in the field continues to improve our chances. Here are some of the treatment options available now.(Photo: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research via Getty Images)
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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 afterwards to create the appearance of a full breast.(Photo: dpa/Landov)
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Chemotherapy - Drugs are prescribed to either kill the cancerous cells or shrink them before removing them with surgery. Chemotherapy is also given to women with a high risk of having the cancer return or spread to other parts of the body. These are taken in pill form through an intravenous tube, or both.(Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
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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 your cancer returning.(Photo: MCT/Landov)
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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: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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