Everything you need to know About Breast Cancer Treatments

 When it comes to breast cancer, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. It’s time to set the record straight about what breast cancer is, how it’s treated, and what you can do to prevent it. 

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about breast cancer treatments. From early detection to different types of treatments, we will cover all the bases so that you can be as informed as possible about this disease. 

Causes of Breast Cancer 

There are many different possible causes of breast cancer, but some are more well-known and researched than others. One of the most common causes of breast cancer is genetics, meaning that if you have a family member who has had breast cancer, you may be at an increased risk for developing the disease yourself. 

Other possible causes include things like age, obesity, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough exercise. Some studies have also shown that there is a link between taking certain hormones and an increased risk of developing breast cancer. 

Types of Breast Cancer 

There are four main types of breast cancer: 

1. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It begins in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding breast tissue. 

2. Infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC): This type of breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and accounts for about 10% of all breast cancers. 

3. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): DCIS is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts. It accounts for about 1 in 5 new breast cancer diagnoses. DCIS is considered a precancerous condition because it may develop into invasive breast cancer if left untreated. Breast cancer treatment options for DCIS include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. 

4. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): LCIS is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that starts in the lobules. It's usually found during a mammogram before there are any signs or symptoms. LCIS isn't considered true cancer because it doesn't invade surrounding tissue, but it's important to monitor because it may increase your risk of developing invasive breast cancer later. Treatment options for LCIS include close monitoring, surgery, and hormone therapy." 

Diagnosing Breast Cancer 

There are many ways to diagnose breast cancer. The most common method is a mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breast. Other methods include an ultrasound, an MRI, and a biopsy. 

A mammogram is the best way to find early signs of breast cancer. It can also find cancers that are too small to feel. Mammograms can be done at your doctor’s office or at a special centre. 

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your breast. This test can be used to check for lumps that cannot be seen on a mammogram. An ultrasound may also be used after a mammogram to get more information about a suspicious area. 

An MRI uses magnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of your breast. This test is not usually needed unless you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and your doctor wants to see if the cancer has spread. 

A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have breast cancer. In this procedure, a small sample of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope. There are several types of biopsies, including needle biopsies and surgical biopsies. 

What are the treatment options for Breast Cancer 

There are several options available for breast cancer treatment, and the type of treatment recommended will depend on the individual case. The most common treatments are surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer, and there are several different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the stage and type of cancer. The most common type of surgery is a lumpectomy, which involves removing the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue. A mastectomy is another option, which involves the removal of the entire breast. Sometimes lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery. 

Radiotherapy for breast cancer uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to help reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Radiotherapy for breast cancer can be given externally, from a machine outside the body, or internally, where radioactive material is placed directly into the tumour. 

Hormone therapy is sometimes used to treat breast cancer, particularly if it is hormone receptor positive. This means that the cancer cells have receptors on their surface that bind to hormones such as estrogen. Hormone therapy can involve taking medication to block the effects of hormones or removing hormone-producing organs such as the ovaries. 

Conclusion 

There are a lot of different breast cancer treatments available, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why it's so important to talk to your doctor about all your options and make sure you're getting the best possible care. 

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of some of the different breast cancer treatments that are out there and what they involve. Remember, knowledge is power, so arm yourself with as much information as possible to make the best decision for your health. For more information on breast cancer treatment, diagnosis, and symptoms, visit the HCG Oncology website.