Since the 1970's, progress in both early detection and treatment has led to improvement in survival rates for people of all ages and races, and with all stages of breast cancer. As a result of these advances, breast cancer mortality has declined steadily for almost 20 years. Since 1990, mortality from breast cancer has declined 3.2 percent per year among women younger than 50 and 2.0 percent per year in women aged 50 and older [1].
The goal of treating early breast cancer is to get rid of the cancer as completely as possible and prevent it from returning. This is usually done with some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or targeted therapy (such as Herceptin). For information on treating advanced breast cancer, visit the Metastatic Breast Cancer section .
Surgery and radiation therapy are called “local therapies” because they aim to remove cancer from a limited (local) area, such as the breast, chest wall and lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes). Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy make up what is called “systemic therapy”. With these therapies, the whole body is treated to get rid of cancer cells that may have spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
Your specific treatment plan will depend on many factors, such as your age, the type of breast cancer you have and characteristics of the tumor. However, deciding on certain treatments can be as much a personal matter as a medical one. Each treatment option has risks and benefits that you must weigh in relation to your personal values and lifestyle.
To learn more about factors that affect treatment options, see the Diagnosis section.
For information about financial issues related to treatment, visit the Insurance and Other Financial Issues section.
Your health care team
Throughout your treatment and beyond, you will receive care from many health care providers. Your health care team includes the physicians (including oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists), nurses, dietitians, social workers, physical therapists, pharmacists and other health care providers. These professionals may be involved in your care at some time during your treatment and recovery. Learn about Choosing a Physician .
The importance of following your breast cancer treatment plan
Completing your full breast cancer treatment plan (called adherence) is important. People who complete the full course of treatment have a higher chance of survival. Adherence can be difficult, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
First, talk to your health care provider if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. If you are suffering from side effects, tell you provider right away. He/she may be able to prevent or treat many of them. Having fewer side effects can help you complete your treatment plan.
If you need help getting to and from treatments or if you need a place to stay overnight while getting treatment, there are programs that can help. Contact organizations that offer help with transportation or lodging.
Adherence can be especially hard for long-term treatments. Planning ahead can help you juggle your treatment and daily life. For example, if you have trouble remembering to take oral medicine such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, a daily pillbox or setting an alarm on your watch or cell phone may be helpful [134].
Learn more about adherence.
Updated 02/02/10
