By Dr. James V. Piephoff, M.D.
Medical Director, Radiation Oncology
Saint Anthony’s Cancer Center of Excellence
Early detection and modern treatment methods are effective in treating breast cancer. Breast cancer is a serious diagnosis, but there are many treatment options available, and more are being discovered each day to offer hope for successful treatment. The earlier breast cancer is found and treated, the better the chances for living a long and healthy life after diagnosis.
Breast cancer occurs when the cells in your breast grow abnormally, forming tumors with uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells may also be found in lymph nodes under the arms. Breast cancer, if left untreated, may metastasize, or spread, sending cancerous cells to form tumors in other parts of your body.
Although doctors cannot predict exactly who will get breast cancer, the following are risk factors for this cancer:
A family history of breast cancer, especially if cancer occurred before age 40
First menstrual period before age 12
Menopause after age 50
First birth after age 30
According to the National Cancer Institute, when breast cancer is found early and is still localized (restricted to the site of origin, without evidence of spread), the relative survival rate, when measured at five years, is 100 percent. When breast cancer is found at a late stage (cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body), the survival rate at five years is 20 percent.
Individuals with breast cancer may receive a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, hormones and/or chemotherapy to treat the cancer.
Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays for the treatment of disease and is designed to prevent cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Treatment using radiation is typically set to run daily for anywhere from two to five weeks, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the use of medications to treat cancer. Common methods of providing chemotherapy include intravenous (IV), often through central venous or implanted ports. Other methods include oral, intramuscular and less often intrathecal (into the spinal fluid through a spinal tap).
Surgery. A lumpectomy is breast-conserving surgery generally performed when tumors are small and confined to the breast. A mastectomy is surgery that removes the entire breast. In both surgeries, some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm will be removed and examined for cancer. Women should discuss surgical options and potential side effects with their surgeon.
Hormonal Therapy. Some women’s breast cancers are “estrogen receptive,” meaning that the presence of estrogen promotes the cancer’s growth. In this case, women on estrogen therapy may need to evaluate the safety of its use with their doctors. Special estrogen-blocking drugs, such as Tamoxifen or Arimidex, may be used as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of the recurrence of breast cancer. Not all women benefit from this drug and there are some side effects to consider.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most important thing for you to remember is that it is not a hopeless condition. Early detection and modern therapy with a combination of surgery, radiation, drugs, or hormones can help many patients.
For more information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society’s Patient Resource Center, located in Radiation Oncology at Saint Clare’s Hospital, or call 618/5623 for more information.