4th February 2010

Treatment of recurrent breast cancer

posted in Cancer |

The treatment for breast cancer improves symptoms through local control of cancer and increase chances of cure, and / or prolongs the life of the patient. The expected benefits should be put in the balance regarding the potential risks that might entail.

When choosing treatment, the oncologist will consider several factors including: the size and location of tumor, and previous treatment, among others. It will also determine whether the case belongs to the group of low risk, medium risk or high risk.

A treatment of recurrence may range from a local treatment for women in the group of low risk or systemic therapy for high risk. Many doctors choose mastectomy in breast cancer cases repeat for two reasons: the effectiveness in eliminating cancer cells and because there is less likelihood of relapse with this method.

Since most patients with local recurrence, manifest in the long run systemic recurrence of breast cancer, many doctors believe that additional treatment with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy may be helpful. However, this will continue to assess in controlled clinical trials.

The breast cancer recurrence may be identified

In 2007, scientists at the University of Munich, Germany, unveiled the results of a study indicating that breast cancer recurrence may be identified by the presence of cancer cells in the blood. If there is evidence the validity of these results (it is estimated that over five years), is to open the door to a simple way to control the likely outcome of chemotherapy, and also will guide treatments more accurately, “said Julia Jückstock, one of the authors of the study. (www.periodistadigital.com).

Some tips:

• Keep abreast of the latest news on breast cancer, to find new treatments, results of clinical trials, etc.. This helps ensure you are getting the best treatment for breast cancer.

• Participating in a clinical trial may offer access to better treatments and help advance the existing knowledge regarding the treatment of this cancer. You should evaluate the risks and benefits with their doctors.

• Finally, if breast cancer returns to her life, do not lose hope, lean on the love of their loved ones, in the words of encouragement from other women going through the same situation, relying on the benefits of treatment and remember that there is always something that can help significantly if breast cancer returns.

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