Breast Cancer Treatment
The treatment phase for breast cancer has seen
some of the most startling advancements in the course of only
a few years’ time. We are so lucky to live where new
discoveries can be made and then utilized – for you
and your war on these newly found breast cancer cells. Having
an idea of what may be involved with your treatment can be
a source of strength, so this portion of the website will
discuss chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy
for breast cancer treatment.
It has been said that a cancerous tumor is a
group of cells gone wild with cell division. Because the cells
are not normal, they must be stopped from reproducing and
interfering with the healthy activities of your body. Chemotherapy
affects the ability of these abnormal cells to divide and
does its work throughout your entire body. The following section
will explain in detail about the many chemotherapy drugs available
for breast cancer treatment, as well as the how and why of
their use. In many instances, a combination of chemotherapy
drugs will be used at the same time. All of this will be determined
by your oncologist, after much study of your particular type
of breast cancer.
Radiation
Radiation therapy may also be advised for your
breast cancer treatment and can be of two different types:
external and internal. For the external type of irradiation,
medical professionals use machines that are designed to aim
a stream of high-energy particles directly at your cancerous
tumor; there are several types of these machines and all are
located at treatment centers. Internal radiation therapy uses
radioactive implants which are surgically placed close to
your tumor site, destroying the cancerous cells. In both external
and internal irradiation, the cancer cells are stopped from
growing and will die. Normal cells in the body are not affected
as much by radiation treatments.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy may soon be the favored type
of breast cancer treatment, as it is showing tremendous promise
for its success and added safety. These targeted drugs are
so-called because their action deals with specific objectives
relating to how a cancer cell divides and grows. Several are
already approved by the FDA and others are part of clinical
trials.
What you understand about breast cancer treatment
will make it seem less threatening, so arm yourself with knowledge.
This will permit you to muster your inner strength –
you have a lot – and walk boldly and courageously toward
your goal. You will not be alone, as your physicians and their
staff will support you throughout this successful process.
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