Thursday 24 October 2013

AN OVERVIEW ON BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL RATES, SURGERY, AND THERAPIES

STAGES OF BREAST CANCER
After diagnosis of breast cancer it is important to determine how big the tumor is and how far the cancer has spread. This process is called staging. Doctor use Stages 0-4 to describe whether cancer is localized to the breast, has invaded nearby lymph nodes, or has spread to other organs, such as lungs.  

According to the American Cancer Society, 88% of women with stage 1 breast cancer live at list five years, compared with women who don’t have cancer- and many women in this group remain cancer-free for good. The more advanced the cancer, the lower this figure becomes. By Stage 4, the 5 year relative survival rate declines to 15%. But these rates can improve as more effective treatments are found.

Surgery of Breast Cancer
There are many types of breast cancer surgery, from taking out the area around the lump (lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery) to removing the entire breast (mastectomy). It’s best to discuss the pros and cons of each of these procedures with your doctor before deciding what’s right for you.

Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used after breast cancer surgery to wipe out any cancer cells that remain near the tumor site. It can also be used along with chemotherapy for treatment of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Side effects can include fatigue swelling or a sunburn-like feeling in the treated area.

Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells anywhere in the body. The drugs are often given by IV, but are sometimes taken by mouth or shot. Chemotherapy may be  done after surgery to lower the odds cancer coming back. In women with advanced breast cancer, chamotherapy can help control the cancer's growth. Side effects may include hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and a higher risk of infection.

Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer
Hormone therapy is an effective treatment for women with ER-positive or PR-positive breast cancers that grow more rapidly in response to the hormones estrogen or progesteron. Hormone therapy can block this effect. It is most often used after breast cancer surgery to help keep the cancer from coming back. It may also be used to reduce the chance of breast cancer developing in women who are at high risk.



No comments:

Post a Comment