Breast Cancer Treatment Options Explained: From Surgery to Targeted Therapy

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with nearly 1 in 8 new cancer diagnoses, according to the World Health Organization. In India alone, it represents over 14% of all cancers in women. However, advances in research and clinical practice have made it increasingly treatable if identified on time. The approach to breast cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and spread of the disease. After diagnosis, doctors combine different methods to achieve the best possible outcome.  

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative that encourages regular screening and timely diagnosis. It is also a reminder to stay alert to subtle signs like breast lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in the color of the breast skin, which can be early indicators that something might be wrong.  

In this article, we will understand the different types of treatment available for breast cancer for different stages and situations in detail. 

What are the Different types of Drug Treatment for Breast Cancer? 

Drug-based therapies are the foundation of medical management for breast cancer. They are used before or after surgery and are customized according to cancer type, spread, and hormone or receptor status. The main categories include: 

• Chemotherapy uses strong drugs that travel through the bloodstream to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It causes temporary side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. 
• Hormone Therapy is recommended for hormone receptor-positive cancers. It blocks oestrogen or progesterone that stimulate tumor growth. 
• Targeted Therapy focuses on specific molecules or proteins that promote cancer growth. For example, HER2-positive cancers are treated with drugs like trastuzumab that target the HER2 receptor. 
• Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells that would otherwise go undetected. This option is more common in triple-negative breast cancer cases. 

Each treatment type can be used alone or in combination with others, depending on the stage of the cancer and how the body reacts to it. 

Treatment of Cancer – Stage Wise 

Stage 1 

In early-stage breast cancer, the tumor is small and localized. Surgery is often the first step. A lumpectomy removes the tumor and nearby tissue, or a mastectomy removes the entire breast. Radiation therapy is recommended in some cases after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Hormone or targeted therapy is also considered depending on the tumor profile. 

Stage 2 

At this stage, the tumor is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment involves surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Some patients may receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve surgical outcomes. Targeted therapy is also prescribed if receptors are present. 

Stage 3 

Stage 3 breast cancer is locally advanced, which means it has spread to multiple lymph nodes or nearby tissues. Treatment begins with chemotherapy or targeted therapy to reduce tumor size, followed by surgery and radiation therapy. Post-surgical therapy helps control microscopic cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence. 

Stage 4 

This is metastatic breast cancer, where the disease spreads to distant organs like the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. The focus of treatment shifts to control, comfort, and longevity. Systemic therapies such as hormone therapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy are used to manage progression. In certain cases, radiation or surgery is performed to relieve symptoms and maintain comfort. 

Treatment of Recurrent Breast Cancer 

When breast cancer returns after treatment, it is called recurrence. It may reappear in the same area, nearby lymph nodes, or distant organs. The approach to managing recurrent disease varies by location and previous therapy. 

• Local Recurrence: If cancer returns to the same breast or chest wall, surgery and radiation are considered if radiation was not given earlier. 
• Regional Recurrence: When nearby lymph nodes are affected, treatment can involve surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. 
• Distant (Metastatic) Recurrence: When the disease spreads to organs like the lungs, liver, or bones, treatment aims to control growth and relieve symptoms. Targeted drugs, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy are prescribed. 
• Monitoring Symptoms: Doctors closely watch for new breast cancer symptoms to detect changes early and adjust treatment accordingly. 

Recurrent breast cancer requires a careful plan that balances effectiveness with quality of life. It often involves a mix of surgical and systemic treatments. 

Treatment of Breast Cancer During Pregnancy 

Managing breast cancer in pregnancy is a tedious process because the growing foetus is a part of it.  

Surgery, including lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy, is considered safe during all trimesters. Chemotherapy is introduced in the second or third trimester but is avoided in early pregnancy to prevent foetal risk. Radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted treatments are usually delayed until after childbirth. Coordinated care involving oncologists, obstetricians, and neonatologists looks after the safety of the mother and baby. 

Hormone and Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer 

Hormone therapy is an important part of breast cancer treatment for patients whose tumors depend on oestrogen or progesterone. Drugs like:  

• Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors block these hormones or stop their production. 
• The treatment duration can extend up to ten years based on the patient's profile. 

Targeted therapy is designed to act on the unique characteristics of cancer cells. Drugs such as:  

• Trastuzumab, pertuzumab, or lapatinib target the HER2 protein in HER2-positive cancers.  
• In triple-negative breast cancers, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates are effective options.  
• Genetic and molecular testing help personalize these therapies for improved outcomes and fewer side effects.  

However, it is necessary to consult your doctor to check what type of tumour you have before opting for such drugs, and they are not meant to be taken without a prescription. 

Conclusion 

While medical treatments continue to advance, rehabilitation is becoming an equally vital part of breast cancer care. Recovery extends beyond the hospital and involves physiotherapy, nutrition guidance, psychological support, and long-term follow-up to monitor recurrence or side effects.  

At Hinduja Hospital Mahim, patient care is supported by a multidisciplinary team that focuses on both medical outcomes and quality of life after treatment. 

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take the step to schedule a screening, learn self-examination techniques, and encourage awareness among others. Early detection and expert care remain the strongest tools against breast cancer. 

FAQs 

Can breast cancer be cured? 

Breast cancer can often be cured when it is detected early and treated promptly. In early stages (Stage 0 to III), modern therapies offer high success rates and long-term remission. Advanced or metastatic breast cancer may not be fully curable, but treatments can control the disease, relieve symptoms, and help patients live longer with a better quality of life. 

What is the most recommended treatment for breast cancer? 

There is no single treatment that fits all cases. The most suitable approach depends on the stage, tumor type, and receptor status. Usually, doctors recommend a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted drugs. Personalized treatment plans, guided by genetic and molecular testing, offer the best outcomes for each patient.