How Can Breast Cancer Be Treated

Fortunately, because of the early detection of breast cancer with mammography and our ability to find very small tumors, the majority of women can have their breast conserved by lumpectomy and then subsequently treated with radiation therapy. There are a group of women however who do need a mastectomy but we recommend immediate reconstruction. Techniques of reconstruction have become so good now but this is a very viable option for those who do need a mastectomy.

After surgery, patients may be treated with chemotherapy. This depends on parameters relating to the cancer itself or whether it’s spread to the lymph node. We also use new drugs such as monoclonal antibodies that have recently been introduced that again are increasing the cure weights. We use anti-hormonal treatment in the form of an anti-estrogen such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors as they're called, which also combat the production of estrogen.

All these treatments together have led to a decline in the death rate of breast cancer and it’s a very encouraging future we’re looking forward to.


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