Breast Cancer Therapies
Breast cancer therapies encompass a range of treatments tailored to the type and stage of the disease. Surgery is often the first step, with options like lumpectomy (removing the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Following surgery, adjuvant therapies such as radiation therapy target any remaining cancer cells. Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, which uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, and hormone therapy, which blocks hormones that fuel certain types of breast cancer. Targeted therapies, like HER2-targeted drugs for HER2-positive breast cancer, specifically target cancer cells without harming normal cells. Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These therapies are often combined or used sequentially to maximize effectiveness. Advances in research continue to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients, emphasizing personalized approaches and innovative treatments.