# Breast cancer treatment options explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment ## In short Breast cancer treatment is tailored to each person and usually combines approaches: surgery (breast-conserving or mastectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted drugs. A specialist team chooses the plan based on the cancer's type, stage and features such as hormone-receptor or HER2 status. Many people are cured, especially when the cancer is found early. There is no single treatment for breast cancer. The right plan depends on the size and type of the cancer, whether it has spread, and on features of the cancer cells themselves — such as whether they are driven by hormones (hormone-receptor positive) or carry a protein called HER2. Decisions are made by a multidisciplinary team — surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses — working with you. Treatments are often combined: for example, surgery followed by radiotherapy and a course of tablets. ## Surgery Surgery is usually the first treatment for early breast cancer. There are two main types. Breast-conserving surgery (also called a lumpectomy or wide local excision) removes the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue around it, keeping the rest of the breast. Mastectomy removes the whole breast, and can be followed by reconstruction to rebuild the breast shape. The surgeon may also check the lymph nodes in the armpit to see whether the cancer has begun to spread. A sentinel lymph node biopsy removes one or a few key nodes to test them, avoiding the need to remove more than necessary. ## Radiotherapy and chemotherapy Radiotherapy uses carefully targeted high-energy rays to destroy any cancer cells left behind after surgery, lowering the chance of the cancer coming back. It is often given after breast-conserving surgery, usually as a series of short daily sessions over a few weeks. Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or before surgery to shrink a larger tumour first (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy). Not everyone needs chemotherapy — modern tests on the tumour can help show who is likely to benefit. ## Hormone therapy and targeted drugs Many breast cancers grow in response to the hormone oestrogen. For these hormone-receptor positive cancers, hormone therapy — such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor — blocks that effect. It is usually taken as a daily tablet for several years and substantially lowers the risk of the cancer returning. Some breast cancers make too much of a protein called HER2, which makes them grow faster. Targeted drugs such as trastuzumab are very effective against these HER2-positive cancers. Newer targeted treatments continue to improve outcomes for specific types of breast cancer. ## Living with and beyond treatment Treatment can have side effects, and recovering physically and emotionally takes time. Specialist breast care nurses, follow-up appointments and support services help people manage side effects, regain confidence and watch for any signs of recurrence. Many people return to full and active lives after breast cancer treatment. ## Key takeaways - Breast cancer treatment is personalised and usually combines surgery with other treatments. - Surgery is either breast-conserving (lumpectomy) or a mastectomy, often with reconstruction available. - Radiotherapy and chemotherapy lower the chance of the cancer returning; not everyone needs chemotherapy. - Hormone therapy tablets are highly effective for hormone-receptor positive cancers; targeted drugs treat HER2-positive cancers. - Many people are cured of breast cancer, particularly when it is found early. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Symptoms & checking: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms - Screening (mammograms): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment - Risk & family history: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need a mastectomy? Not necessarily. Many people with early breast cancer have breast-conserving surgery (a lumpectomy), which removes the cancer while keeping the rest of the breast, usually followed by radiotherapy. Whether a mastectomy is recommended depends on the size and position of the cancer and your own preferences — your surgical team will discuss the options with you. ### Does everyone with breast cancer need chemotherapy? No. Chemotherapy is used when the benefit is likely to outweigh the side effects — for example with larger or more aggressive cancers, or when it has spread to lymph nodes. Tests on the tumour can help predict who will benefit, and many people with early breast cancer are treated successfully without chemotherapy. ### What does 'hormone-receptor positive' or 'HER2 positive' mean? These describe features of the cancer cells that guide treatment. Hormone-receptor positive means the cancer grows in response to oestrogen, so hormone therapy tablets can help control it. HER2 positive means the cells make too much of a protein called HER2, which targeted drugs such as trastuzumab can block. The tumour is tested for both after diagnosis. ### How long does breast cancer treatment take? It varies widely. Surgery is a single event, but radiotherapy runs over a few weeks, chemotherapy over several months, and hormone therapy is often taken for five to ten years. Your team will give you a timeline based on your specific plan. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.