Chemotherapy drugs kill or disable cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for most types of breast cancer. The decision to use chemotherapy is based on the tumor stage and certain tumor characteristics, as well as your age, overall health and personal preferences.
Chemotherapy after breast surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy)
For those with early breast cancer, chemotherapy is usually given after breast surgery (called adjuvant chemotherapy) but before radiation therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy helps lower the risk of recurrence by getting rid of cancer that might still be present in the body.
Chemotherapy before breast surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy is sometimes used before surgery (called neoadjuvant or preoperative chemotherapy). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often given to women with large tumors who need a mastectomy. Chemotherapy may shrink the tumor enough so that a lumpectomy becomes an option.
In women with locally advanced breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor in the breast and/or in the lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer
For those with metastatic cancer, chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells that have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may reduce cancer-related symptoms and prolong survival.
Learn more about treatment for metastatic cancer.
Chemotherapy treatment guidelines
Although exact chemotherapy plans vary from person to person, some organizations have treatment guidelines to help ensure quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research and the consensus of experts. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) are two respected organizations that regularly update and post their guidelines online. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has overviews of treatment options.
Importance of following your breast cancer treatment plan
The importance of adherence (compliance)
Breast cancer treatment is most effective when all parts of the treatment plan are followed. Adherence (also called compliance) is how closely people follow the treatment plan (for medicines and other therapies) prescribed by their health care providers in terms of:
Completing oral chemotherapy
Side effects are one reason people have trouble completing chemotherapy [21]. Although most side effects go away shortly after chemotherapy ends, treating symptoms can help you complete your course of chemotherapy. You should never feel that you have to endure side effects, such as nausea, without any support. Talk to your health care provider about any side effects you are having. He/she may be able to prescribe medicines to treat your side effects or change your treatment plan to reduce them.
Learn more about the side effects of chemotherapy.
If you have trouble remembering to take oral chemotherapy or medicines to treat side effects, a daily pillbox or setting an alarm on your watch or phone may be helpful [2].
Learn more about adherence.
Updated 05/19/11
