Treatment and Side Effects

In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer. The decisions — surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy — can feel overwhelming.

Breastcancer.org can help you understand your cancer stage and appropriate options, so you and your doctors can arrive at the best treatment plan for YOU.

In the following pages of the Treatment and Side Effects section, you can learn about:

Planning Your Treatment

What types of treatment are available and which might be appropriate for you.

Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph node dissection, and what to expect from each.

Chemotherapy

Who should get it, how it works, different types, side effects, and how to manage them.

Radiation Therapy

What it is, who it's for, advantages, side effects, and what to expect when you get it.

Hormonal Therapy

The link between hormones and breast cancer and how different groups of drugs — including ERDs, SERMs, and aromatase inhibitors — can affect that link.

Targeted Therapies

Including Herceptin: How they work, who should get them, how they're given, side effects, and major studies.

Complementary & Holistic Medicine

How complementary medicine techniques such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga could be a helpful addition to your regular medical treatment. Includes research on complementary techniques and ways to find qualified practitioners.

Treatment Side Effects

A reference list of side effects and their explanations.

Clinical Trials

What clinical trials are and how to find trials if you would like to participate.