6. Mind-Body Therapies
Several studies have shown that mind-body therapies can reduce the psychological and physical symptoms of breast cancer. These include yoga, hypnosis, meditation, visualization, and biofeedback. These are used to address stress, reduce anxiety, and increase energy.
Mind-body therapies are a safe and effective approach to addressing psychological distress. They may reduce symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and nausea. They may also help people cope with the side effects of cancer.
5. Surgery
Breast cancer patients can resort to a type of surgery called a lumpectomy. This procedure requires the removal of the tumor and some unhealthy tissues within the area.
This type of surgery is often used to treat early-stage breast cancer. The size of the tumor and its location determine the amount of breast tissue be removed.
4. Hormonal Therapy
Hormone therapy can be used after surgery to prevent cancer from returning. The most common type of hormonal therapy for breast cancer is an anti-estrogen drug. These drugs are taken by mouth as a pill.
Tamoxifen is a drug that prevents estrogen from attaching to breast cancer cells. Hormone therapy can be used for breast cancer alone or in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to shrink the size of the tumor and to kill cancer cells. The decision to give chemotherapy depends on the tumor, the patient’s health, and the patient’s preferences. Most people with breast cancer will receive chemotherapy.
Each cycle is generally two to six weeks. It’s made up of a combination of chemotherapy drugs that work differently and can cause different side effects.
2. Biologic Therapy
Biologic therapy can treat breast cancer by inducing the immune system to attack cancer cells. It can also prevent cancer from spreading. It also reduces the side effects of traditional cancer treatments.
This particular type of therapy may be given as an injection or intravenously. It may also be given as an over-the-counter drug.
1. Radiation Therapy
During radiation therapy for breast cancer, high-energy X-rays or particles are aimed at the tumor. The radiation causes cancer cells to die. It also reduces the risk that cancer will recur.
There are two common types of radiation therapy to treat breast cancer. The first type, external beam, is given by a machine that aims a beam of radiation at the tumor. The second type is internal beam radiation. It is also known as brachytherapy where a radiation implant is placed near a cancer site to deliver a higher dose of radiation. This procedure can help shrink or kill tumors. It may also help reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
These are breast cancer symptoms and treatments worth knowing about.