Breast Cancer: Treatment, Side Effects & Ways To Cope

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It typically affects women, but men can develop it as well. Breast cancer usually begins with the development of abnormal cells in the breast, which can form lumps or masses detectable through physical examination or imaging.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it is critical to detect and treat breast cancer as soon as possible in order to improve the chances of complete recovery. Let's explore the types of treatments available.

6 Types of Breast Cancer Treatments

Breast cancer is a serious disease that requires the most effective treatment possible. Here are some of the most common breast cancer treatments:

1.  Over-the-counter drug therapy

Over-the-counter drug therapy such as herbal remedies or vitamin supplements may help reduce the risk of breast cancer or aid in recovery after treatment. However, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

2.  Other drug therapy

Other drug therapies, such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and lapatinib, are taken on a regular basis and are closely monitored by a doctor. This treatment may be effective in slowing the progression of breast cancer.

3.  Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is used to control hormones in the body that can cause breast cancer growth. Hormone therapy is usually given in pill or injection form.

4.  Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses focused X-rays on the breast cancer area to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually given after surgery or in conjunction with chemotherapy.

5.  Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs that aim to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This treatment is usually given through injection or infusion.

6.  Surgery

Breast cancer is a disease that can affect every woman, and it requires continuous care. In addition to regular check-ups, breast cancer treatment includes surgery.

Here are some types of surgery commonly performed to treat breast cancer:

• Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tumour as well as a small amount of breast tissue surrounding it. This is a less invasive procedure, and patients usually require radiation therapy after surgery.

• Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all cancerous breast tissue. For patients with more aggressive breast cancer or those at high risk of recurrence, this may be the best option.

• Sentinel node biopsy

This procedure is to take tissue from the lymph nodes in the armpit. It helps the doctor determine whether cancer cells have spread to this area.

• Axillary lymph node dissection

If cancer cells have spread to the armpit lymph nodes, this procedure is used to remove all lymph nodes in that area.

• Re-excision surgery

If the results of the examination show that cancer cells are still present, surgery may be required to remove them.

• Breast reconstruction

After a mastectomy, this procedure is employed to repair or reshape the breast. This procedure has several options, including the use of breast implants or breast reconstruction techniques using the patient’s own body tissue.

What Is The Best Treatment For Me?

Breast cancer can be severe, requiring immediate intervention. To determine the best course of treatment for you, your doctor will evaluate several factors, such as: 

      1.  Tumour size

If the tumour is small and has not spread to surrounding tissue, treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumour.

If the tumour is large or has spread, treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

      2.  Cancer/tumour marker stage

The cancer/tumour marker stage will also be evaluated in order to determine the best treatment. The marker stage of breast cancer refers to the severity of the disease, which is determined by the amount of oestrogen and progesterone receptor hormones in the tumour cells.

If the tumour cells have hormone receptors, hormone treatments like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors can be used to stop the tumour from growing.

      3.  Tumor cell stage in circulation

The stage of tumour cells in circulation must also be evaluated. Chemotherapy or biological therapy may be required to prevent cancer cell growth if tumour cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.

      4.  New metastasis

If a new metastasis develops, chemotherapy, biological therapy or hormone therapy may be required to control cancer cell growth and relieve symptoms.

What Are The Side Effects Of Treatment?

  1.  Hair loss

Hair loss is the most common side effect experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This treatment aims to kill cancer cells in the body, but it also damages hair cells. This can cause hair loss on the scalp, face and body. Hair loss usually begins within 2 to 4 weeks after treatment starts.

Patients may lose their hair completely or partially, and sometimes hair may grow back after treatment is completed.

  2.  Fatigue

Fatigue is a frequent side effect of breast cancer treatment. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause the body to lose red blood cells and white blood cells which help carry oxygen throughout the body.

Patients may feel tired and lethargic as a result of insufficient oxygen and energy.

  3.  Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This treatment can have side effects on the digestive and central nervous systems.

Patients may experience nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after treatment starts. Most patients only experience these side effects for a few days, but some may experience severe nausea and vomiting that require further treatment.

  4.  Insomnia

Insomnia is a potential side effect experienced by breast cancer patients during treatment. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have side effects on the body, causing changes in sleep patterns.

Patients may have difficulty falling asleep or have poor quality sleep due to stress, pain or fatigue.

  5.  Pain

Side effects of breast cancer treatment include pain. Various types of treatment can cause pain, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In addition, taking medication to control side effects can also cause discomfort, such as headaches, stomach pain and joint pain. However, these side effects can be reduced with good health management and sufficient support from family and friends.

Tips To Manage Side Effects Of Breast Cancer

Here are some tips to manage the side effects of breast cancer:

• Take rest after meals

Someone undergoing breast cancer treatment may feel nauseous and sick after eating. Therefore, avoid heavy physical activity after meals and take a short rest to allow the food to be digested better.

• Control portion sizes

Someone undergoing breast cancer treatment may have an erratic appetite. However, avoid taking large and heavy portions of food. Instead, take small but frequent meals to ensure sufficient energy.

• Eat slowly

Eating slowly helps food to be digested better and reduces nausea and sickness. Also, avoid taking very hot or cold foods as it may cause unwanted side effects.

• Drink plenty of water

Water can help reduce breast cancer side effects like constipation and dehydration. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

• Take medication when required

Someone undergoing breast cancer treatment may need medication to reduce side effects like headaches or joint pain. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

In conclusion, breast cancer treatment may have side effects that patients may experience. However, with proper care and support, patients can manage these side effects and continue their treatment with a positive and optimistic outlook.

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