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Treatments for Breast Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Breast Cancer

The goal of treatment is to remove most or all of the cancer. Doing so may preserve the breast and its function. The treatments will also help to keep the cancer from spreading or coming back. Breast cancer is treated with more than one method. How it is done depends on the type of breast cancer, age, health, and outlook. Comfort measures are given to those with later stages of cancer.

Breast cancer is treated with:

Surgery

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

Lifestyle changes

Hormonal therapy

Medications

Other treatments

Treatments for many cancers are always changing. Some have yet to be found. As a result, clinical trials exist around the world. For more information about clinical trials, visit the US National Institutes of Health website.

References

  • Breast cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/breast-disorders/breast-cancer.
  • Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/breast-cancer-in-women.
  • Treating breast cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment.html.
  • Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq#section/_185.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.