Treating Breast Cancer
There are several types of treatment for breast cancer. They are similar to treatment for other types of cancer. The most common treatments are:
- Biological therapy – Working with the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
- Chemotherapy – Taking drugs (pills, injections or both) that shrink cancer cells
- Hormone therapy – Blocking the hormones that cancer cells need to grow
- Radiation therapy – Destroying cancer cells with high-energy rays (such as X-rays)
- Surgery – Operating to cut cancerous tissue out of the breast (lumpectomy) or remove the breast (mastectomy)
Breast cancer treatment for pregnant people and children
Most people who get breast cancer are older than 50. But pregnant women, men and even
children can get it. Learn about treatment options for pregnant people and children from the National Cancer Institute.