Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options

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

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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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)

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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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)

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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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)

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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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)

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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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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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: Birmingham News/Landov)

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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: Birmingham News/Landov)

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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: REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi/Landov)