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:
SurgeryRadiation therapyChemotherapyLifestyle changesHormonal therapyMedicationsOther treatmentsTreatments 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. Accessed March 25, 2022.
Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/breast-cancer-in-women. Accessed March 25, 2022.
Treating breast cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment.html. Accessed March 25, 2022.
Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq#section/%5F185. Accessed March 25, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole Meregian, PA
- Update Date: 03/25/2022