Once upon a time—not too long ago—the go-to treatment for breast cancer was simple but brutal: mastectomy for almost everyone. Whether your tumor was the size of a peanut or a plum, the approach was often the same. It didn’t matter who you were, what your body needed, or what life plans were sitting on your calendar. A one-size-fits-all, “just take it all out” approach ruled the day.
But thank God for progress. Today, breast cancer treatment is a lot more thoughtful. It’s not just about fighting cancer, but also about fighting it your way. With more options, more science, and more attention to your life and preferences, treatment plans are becoming more personal—just as they should be.
So, if you or someone you care about has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, breathe. You’ve got options, you’ve got power, and you’ve got time to figure things out. The trick is to go through the process in steps—and not just any steps, but four major ones that help you understand the landscape, advocate for yourself, and choose what’s best for you.
Step 1: Know Your Options
The first thing you need to understand about breast cancer treatment is that it’s not one magic pill or one scary surgery. It’s a combination of different treatment types—surgery, drug therapy, and radiation—that can be tailored to the specific type of breast cancer you have.
For example, if your breast cancer is early-stage and hormone receptor-positive, your doctor might recommend surgery followed by hormone therapy. But if your cancer is HER2-positive, targeted drugs like trastuzumab (aka Herceptin) might be part of your treatment plan. These drugs are superheroes that go after the HER2 protein—which, if left unchecked, helps the cancer grow fast.
But how do you know what type of cancer you have?
You ask questions. Lots of them.
Ask your doctor about the biomarkers of your tumor. These include things like hormone receptor status (does estrogen or progesterone fuel your cancer?) and HER2 status (is the HER2 protein partying too hard on your cancer cells?). You should also ask about tumor profiling tests or genetic tests—especially if cancer runs in your family. Tests for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, for instance, could help shape your treatment strategy or even affect the way your doctor monitors you.
This is also the time to bring up clinical trials. We’ll talk more about that in Step 4, but just know this: asking about trials early could give you access to promising treatments you won’t find in the usual lineup.
Step 2: Talk to Your Doctor Like You’re Planning a Wedding Together
The truth is, breast cancer might be growing inside your body—but your life is happening all around it.
You might have plans to travel, raise children, finish a degree, or even compete in a triathlon. You might be worried about how treatment will affect your fertility or your mental health. You might dread side effects like nausea, fatigue, or hair loss.
Whatever the case, your doctor needs to know what matters to you. The most effective treatment plan is one that doesn’t just kill cancer—it also adjusts to your lifestyle.
This is where honest conversations matter. Don’t just nod and say “okay” to everything your doctor suggests. Ask questions. Talk about your priorities. Be upfront about your concerns. Treatment plans can be adjusted—for example, medication dosages can be tweaked to reduce fatigue, or you can explore different options that align better with your lifestyle goals.
And if you’re feeling unsure about the recommendations, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. It’s your body. You have the right to be absolutely sure.
Step 3: Don’t Ghost Your Doctor After the First Date
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: starting treatment isn’t the end of your decision-making. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
As you go through treatment and into recovery, your body will keep talking. It might whisper (“I’m a little tired”), or it might scream (“This side effect is unbearable!”). Either way, you need to keep the conversation going—with your doctor, your care team, and the people supporting you.
If you experience side effects—whether it’s something temporary like nausea or something long-term like bone pain or heart issues—tell your doctor. Don’t assume it’s “just part of it.” Many side effects can be managed, and some treatments may even be changed to suit your body better.
And if you’re struggling to get to your treatment—maybe transportation is hard, or your job makes it tricky—talk to your doctor. There might be patient navigators, social workers, or local resources who can help you figure things out.
Also, this is the time to ask about your risk of recurrence. What are the chances that the cancer could come back? And what can you do to reduce that risk—whether it’s continuing hormone therapy, exercising more, eating healthier, or all of the above?
Lastly, ask for a survivorship care plan. It’s basically your post-treatment cheat sheet. It includes your follow-up appointments, screening tests, and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. It’s not enough to survive cancer—you also need to know how to live after it.
Step 4: Consider a Clinical Trial Like You’d Consider a Job Offer From Google
Clinical trials are not last-resort territory. They’re not only for people who’ve “run out of options.” They’re for anyone who wants access to cutting-edge treatments and wants to contribute to the future of breast cancer care.
Right now, researchers are exploring exciting new drugs called SERDs—Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders. They’re being tested in trials like VERITAC-2, OPERA-1, Cambria-1, and Cambria-2. These drugs are designed for people with estrogen receptor-positive cancers, and they may be more effective (with fewer side effects) than current hormone therapies.
Why should you care?
Because if your cancer is estrogen-fueled, and especially if it’s resistant to older treatments, SERDs could be the next big thing in your personal cancer-fighting arsenal.
So, ask your doctor about any clinical trials you might be eligible for—whether you’re just starting treatment or already deep into it. Being in a clinical trial might not just help you. It might help countless others, too.
This Is Your Journey, Not Just Your Diagnosis
At the end of the day, breast cancer treatment is about more than just getting rid of cancer cells. It’s about you. Your needs, your goals, your body, and your peace of mind.
So, take these four steps seriously:
- Know your options.
- Speak up about your goals.
- Stay engaged in your care.
- Consider trials that might offer something new.
No one should walk this road blindly. With the right team, the right questions, and the right attitude, you can plan your cancer treatment while honoring your lifestyle.
You’re not just surviving. You’re living—loudly, proudly, and on your own terms.
References
Susan G. Komen – https://www.komen.org/blog/four-steps-to-breast-cancer-treatment/
Accessed 13th April, 2024
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