Everyone is different and the treatments recommended for locally advanced breast cancer, and the order in which they are used, may vary according to individual circumstances.
Treatment for locally advanced breast cancer will usually involve a combination of treatments:
- chemotherapy
- breast surgery
- radiotherapy
- targeted therapies
- hormonal therapies.
In addition, some women choose to use complementary therapies or may be involved in a clinical trial.
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Chemotherapy
Treatment for locally advanced breast cancer often starts with chemotherapy. The aim of giving chemotherapy first is to make the breast cancer smaller, and to destroy any cancer cells that may be elsewhere in the body, but cannot be detected using routine tests.
Breast surgery
Breast surgery may be recommended for some but not all women with locally advanced breast cancer. Most women who do have surgery will have the breast removed completely (mastectomy).
Breast reconstruction may be possible once all initial treatment has been completed but this should be discussed with the treating doctors.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy may be used before or after surgery for locally advanced breast cancer to destroy cancer cells in the breast, armpit, neck or surrounding areas.
Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies (also known as targeted therapies) are drugs that stop the growth of particular types of cancer cells. Targeted therapies are only suitable for some women. They may be used with other breast cancer treatments for locally advanced breast cancer.
Hormonal therapies
Hormonal therapies are drugs used to treat women who have hormone receptors on their breast cancer cells. Hormonal therapies may be used alone or with other breast cancer treatments for locally advanced breast cancer.
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