Treatment Options for Breast Cancer in Women
The treatment options for breast cancer in women vary based on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer. With advancements in oncology, the treatment options for breast cancer in women now offer high success rates, especially when started early.
See 7 Treatment Options for Breast Cancer in Women below:
1. Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast. Doctors usually follow this procedure with reconstruction.
2. Radiation therapy
Often used after surgery, especially after lumpectomy, to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk.
3. Chemotherapy
A systemic treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. Doctors may use it before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant), depending on the tumour’s characteristics.
4. Hormone therapy
If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, doctors prescribe medications like Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors to block oestrogen and prevent the cancer from returning.
5. Targeted therapy
Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) specifically attack HER2-positive cancer cells, improving survival in aggressive cases.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a growing area in oncology, helps the body’s immune system attack cancer cells and is now used in some advanced breast cancers.
7. Supportive care
Pain management, psychological counselling, and physical rehabilitation help patients cope with side effects and regain strength.
In South Africa, most urban public hospitals offer a full range of treatment options for breast cancer in women. However, access in rural provinces may still lag behind. Initiatives by NGOs and tele-oncology services are bridging the gap.
Combining medical treatment with social, emotional, and community support improves outcomes and quality of life for women with breast cancer.
Comprehensive Treatment Choices for Women
Doctors now offer diverse and increasingly effective treatment options for breast cancer in women, especially when they detect the disease early. Depending on the tumour’s type, stage, and hormone or HER2 status, women may receive a combination of therapies. Surgical options include lumpectomy, which conserves most of the breast, or mastectomy, which may be followed by reconstruction. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk. Chemotherapy, given before or after surgery, helps shrink or destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Advancements and Support in Care
Hormone therapy plays a crucial role in hormone receptor-positive cancers, while targeted therapies like trastuzumab are used for HER2-positive cases. Immunotherapy is an emerging option for some advanced cancers, helping the immune system fight tumour cells. Supportive care — including pain relief, counselling, and rehabilitation — is vital for managing side effects and restoring quality of life. In South Africa, while many urban hospitals offer advanced treatments, rural areas may still face challenges. Ongoing efforts by NGOs and digital health platforms are helping to expand access and ensure holistic care for women across the country.
👉 [Next: Living with Breast Cancer in Women – Support and Survivorship]
