Is Breast Cancer Curable? How is it Treated?
The answer is "Yes, it is curable," especially if detected in the early stages, which leads to significantly better outcomes. Currently, breast cancer treatment has become highly advanced and diverse. Physicians utilize "Personalized Medicine" to select the most appropriate method for each individual, depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the specific characteristics of the cancer cells.
Forms of Breast Cancer Treatment
1. Surgery
This is the primary approach for treating breast cancer and is divided into:
- Breast Surgery:
- Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
- Breast-conserving surgery: Removal of only the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
- Axillary Lymph Node Surgery:
- Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND): Removal of all or most lymph nodes in the armpit.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): Removal of only the first few lymph nodes to which cancer is most likely to spread.
2. Chemotherapy
Uses medication to kill cancer cells that may have spread or to shrink a tumor before surgery. This can be administered before surgery (Neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (Adjuvant chemotherapy).
3. Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)
Used after surgery to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells, reducing the chance of recurrence.
4. Anti-Hormonal Therapy
Used when cancer cells have hormone receptors (such as ER+ or PR+).
Example drugs: Tamoxifen, Letrozole. These help prevent the cancer from returning in the future.
5. Targeted Therapy
Used for patients whose cancer cells have the HER2 receptor.
Example drugs: Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab. These increase treatment effectiveness without causing significant damage to normal cells.
6. Immunotherapy
Used for patients with Triple-negative breast cancer (cancers that lack hormone receptors and the HER2 protein).
Example drug: Pembrolizumab. This stimulates the body's own immune system to eliminate cancer cells.
Summary
Breast cancer has various treatment pathways. Physicians will select the one most suitable for each individual patient.
If detected early, the chances of a cure are very high. Surgery is not the only answer; today there are many options including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Do not be afraid to see a doctor.
“Early Detection = High Chance of Cure”
If you or a loved one are at risk or have concerns, do not delay. See a doctor to evaluate and plan a timely treatment.
For More Information
- Surgical Oncology Clinic, G Floor, Building 1: Call 043 002 002 ext. 1920
- Health Information Center: ext. 1905
