Surgery is the mainstay of treatments available for breast cancer. The type of surgery used depends on the size and location of the tumor, the type of tumor and the person’s wishes and overall health. It is now possible for breast-sparing surgery in many cases. And if breast surgery is needed, breast reconstruction is an option taken by many women.

Lumpectomy – this involves the removal of the cancerous tissue that is cancerous and the surrounding area. The lymph nodes in the armpit are generally sampled at the same time. This is just about always done along with other therapies such as radiation therapy or with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Lumpectomy is usually performed when the surgeon is convinced there has been no spread of the cancer cells.

A simple mastectomy consists of the removal of the entire breast. If the cancer is found to be invasive, this type of surgery alone will not be successful in curing it. This is a common surgical treatment for non-invasive types of breast cancer. Radiation treatment or chemotherapy is usually given in conjunction with this treatment.

Radical modified mastectomy removes the breast and the underarm (axillary) lymph nodes although it does not remove the underlying muscle in the chest wall. Surgery alone is usually considered adequate to control the breast cancer if it has not metastasized although addition chemotherapy or hormonal therapy is offered on most occasions.

Those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will be required to undergo follow up care for the rest of their life. The initial following up treatment is usually every 3-6 months during the first 2-3 years. This often involved a careful examination of the breast, an annual mammography, blood tests and on some occasions, chest x-rays. Other tests such as bone and CT scans are performed when needed.

It is important that a close family relative of someone diagnosed with breast cancer such as a mother, daughter or sister to be tested for breast cancer on an annual basis.

Those women who are genetically at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from tamoxifen as it has previously been seen to decrease the incidence of the disease occurring. Raloxifene, which is used to treat osteoporosis is now being studied for treating breast cancer.

The potential side effects should be discussed at length with your health care provider before beginning each different treatment.

Excessive alcohol intake and obesity following menopause can increase the risk of developing breast cancer although this increase is slight. Those women who are physically active have a lower risk.

More and more women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer are having preventative or prophylactic mastectomies to avoid them developing breast cancer.

The main risk factors for women to develop breast are age, sex and genetics. Women can do nothing about these risks so regular screen is recommended to prevent death caused by breast cancer.

Women should undertake regular screening including self examination, mammography and clinical breast examinations.