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Chapter 6 Treatment


In recent years, due to earlier detection and more effective treatments, many women diag- nosed with breast cancer have overcome the disease and go on to live healthy lives.


It’s important to understand the different types of treatment options available to you because you are an integral part of the decision-making team. Your medical team will advocate certain treatments but will also seek your input.


The team will recommend a plan based on: • Stage of cancer and whether it has spread


• Type of cancer and status of the estro- gen, progesterone, or HER2/neu receptors found in the cancer cells


• Your age, health, and menstrual/meno- pausal stage


• Whether this is your first cancer treatment


In general, there are five treatment options, and most treatment plans include a combination of the following options: • Surgery


• Radiation • Hormone therapy • Chemotherapy • Targeted therapies


Some treatments are local, targeting just the area around the tumor with surgery or radiation. Others are systemic, targeting your whole body with can- cer-fighting agents such as chemotherapy.


Most women receive a combination of treatments, but each case is unique. Your medical team will work to find the most effective treatment for you.


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