Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting a large number of women all across the globe. Over the years, to combat the disease, the members of the medical fraternity including breast cancer specialists in Pune, Mumbai, Satara and other cities of Maharashtra have always come forward to adapt the advanced techniques, revolutionizing cancer treatment.
The type of treatment a cancer patient needs primarily depends upon the type of cancer and the stage of cancer. However, in most of the cases, patients are referred to a combination of treatments for best results.
Following are the medical treatments that a breast cancer patient may have to undergo:
The main objective of breast cancer surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor from the breast. If the cancer cells are spread to the lymph nodes, then the doctor may also remove the lymph nodes in the underarm area (auxiliary nodes).
There are two types of surgeries recommended by the surgeons depending upon the case. These are:
Lumpectomy:
Only the breast tumor is removed along with a small strip of normal tissue around. The remaining portion of the breast remains intact. This is also known as breast-conserving surgery.
Mastectomy:
In mastectomy, the surgeon recommends removing the entire breast (this includes the nipple and areola). This is true in most cases, barring exceptions.
Chemotherapy:
This treatment aims to destroy the cancer cells through the use of drugs that are directly injected into the veins through a needle or by pills. In certain cases, a combination of both can also be applied.
Chemotherapy is often recommended as an addition to other treatments like surgery, radiation or hormone therapy. It is an effective therapy that enhances the possibility of a cure, reduces the risk of relapsing, mitigates the symptoms and can also contribute towards a better quality of life of the patient.
Hormonal Therapy:
Hormonal therapy is used to block the hormones that help the cancerous cells to grow. The therapy is recommended only in those cases where breast cancers are found to have receptors for the naturally occurring hormones. It is often a post-surgery recommendation that aims to mitigate the risk of relapse. This treatment is also used to shrink a tumor prior to the surgery to ensure optimum results.
Biological Therapy:
This treatment uses the body’s immune system to target and destroy the cancer cells. The therapy induces the immune system to recognize and kill the cancer cells. It may also be used for controlling the growth of the tumor and preventing the spread of cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy for breast cancer uses high-energy X-rays and other particles to kill cancer cells. The treatment is highly effective on rapidly growing cancer cells that are susceptible to the effects of radiation therapy. The primary aim of radiation therapy is to kill any surviving cancerous cells that remained in or around the breast or lymph nodes after surgery.
Other Complementary Medications:
Apart from the above mentioned standard breast cancer treatments, there are certain prescribed medicines and health practices which when included in everyday life can go a long way in improving the health of the patient. Practices like meditation and yoga and supplements like vitamins and herbs are often healthy ways to counter any health-damaging impacts.
We, at Onco-Life Cancer Centre (located in Satara, 100kms from Pune) have been successfully catering to patients, coming from districts far and wide. We are known for our state-of-the art facilities and services that are at par with any other cancer hospital in Pune.
Factors Affecting Treatment Choice
Choosing the right treatment for breast cancer is not the same for every patient. Doctors carefully consider several factors before recommending the best approach.
The stage and type of cancer are among the most important. Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery and radiation alone, while advanced cases often need chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments. The type of breast cancer—such as hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative—also plays a critical role in deciding whether hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy is most suitable.
A patient’s age and overall health are also vital in treatment planning. Younger patients may tolerate aggressive therapies better, while older patients or those with heart, kidney, or other health conditions may need safer alternatives. Doctors balance treatment effectiveness with quality of life to avoid unnecessary complications.
Additionally, genetic factors like BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may influence the choice of therapy. Patients with these mutations may benefit from targeted drugs (such as PARP inhibitors) and are sometimes advised preventive measures like risk-reducing surgery.
In summary, breast cancer treatment is highly personalized. Oncologists combine medical expertise, diagnostic reports, and the patient’s health condition to design the most effective and safest treatment plan.
Wondering Which Treatment Is Right For You?
With so many options available for cancer treatment, patients may have difficulty in choosing the right one. A cancer specialist is the right person who can explain the pros and cons of each treatment. We, at Onco-life Cancer Centre offer services of highly experienced doctors who can help patients understand their case better and hence, plan their treatment accordingly.
While there are many cancer centers across the country, breast cancer treatments in Pune, Satara, Mumbai are highly sought-after for their quality services and cost-effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which Breast Cancer Treatment Is Most Effective?
There is no single treatment that works best for all patients. Effectiveness depends on the type and stage of cancer. For example, surgery and radiation are often effective in early stages, while advanced cancers may respond better to targeted therapies or chemotherapy. A combination of treatments usually offers the best results.
Q2: Can Breast Cancer Be Treated Without Surgery?
In some cases, yes. Patients with advanced or inoperable cancer may receive chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy instead of surgery. However, for most early-stage cases, surgery remains the most effective and commonly recommended approach.
Q3: What Are The Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatments?
Side effects vary depending on the treatment type. Chemotherapy may cause hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. Radiation can cause skin changes and tiredness. Hormone and targeted therapies may affect mood, bones, or cause hot flashes. Most side effects are temporary and manageable with medical support.
Q4: How Long Does Breast Cancer Treatment Usually Last?
The duration depends on the treatment plan. Surgery and recovery may take a few weeks, while chemotherapy cycles may extend over 3–6 months. Radiation usually lasts 3–6 weeks, and hormone therapy may continue for 5–10 years. Each patient’s timeline is personalized.
Q5: Is Breast Cancer Completely Curable?
Yes, many cases—especially those diagnosed early—are curable with timely treatment. Advanced-stage breast cancers may not always be completely cured, but treatments can control the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve survival and quality of life significantly.
Q6: What Lifestyle Changes Help During Breast Cancer Treatment?
Patients benefit from a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins, along with regular light exercise like walking or yoga. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and processed foods helps. Stress management through meditation or counseling also supports recovery and overall well-being.
Q7: Do All Patients Need Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer?
No, not every patient requires chemotherapy. The decision depends on the cancer’s type, size, lymph node involvement, and biomarkers. Some patients may do well with surgery and hormone or targeted therapy alone. Oncologists decide based on medical evidence and patient condition.
Q8: What Is The Difference Between Targeted Therapy And Hormone Therapy In Breast Cancer?
Targeted therapy works by directly attacking specific molecules like HER2 receptors on cancer cells. Hormone therapy, on the other hand, blocks or lowers estrogen/progesterone hormones that fuel cancer growth in hormone receptor-positive cases. Both are chosen based on the cancer’s biology.
Q9: Can Breast Cancer Come Back After Treatment?
Yes, breast cancer can recur even after successful treatment. The risk depends on the stage at diagnosis, type of cancer, and follow-up care. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle habits, and timely reporting of new symptoms help detect recurrence early and improve outcomes.
