Chemotherapy drugs kill or disable cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for most types of breast cancer. Its use in a given person is based on the tumor stage and certain tumor characteristics. The decision to use chemotherapy is also affected by a person’s age, overall health and personal preferences. For those with early breast cancer, chemotherapy is usually given after breast surgery but before radiation treatments. This is called adjuvant therapy and helps to lower the risk of recurrence by getting rid of cancer that might still be present in the body.
Chemotherapy is sometimes used before surgery. In this case, it is called neoadjuvant or preoperative chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often given to women with larger tumors who require a mastectomy. Chemotherapy may shrink the tumor enough so that lumpectomy becomes an option. In women with locally advanced breast cancer, chemotherapy is given prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumors in the breast and lymph nodes. And, in those with metastatic cancer, chemotherapy is used to disable cancer cells that have spread from the breast to other parts of the body to try and reduce cancer-related symptoms and prolong survival.
Chemotherapy treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, several organizations have treatment guidelines to help ensure quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research, and some are available online. 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 [133]. 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 [134].
Learn more about adherence.
Adjuvant Therapy Treatment - videos
Updated 02/02/10
