Special circumstances, such as a family history of breast cancer, may indicate a need for earlier mammograms. Each woman should discuss her personal needs with her doctor. If cancer is present, there are two basic types of treatment for breast cancer, local and systemic. Local treatments are used to remove or destroy breast cancer in a specific area. For example, radiation can be used to target tumors in a local manner.
Systemic treatments target cancer wherever it is in the body.
Systemic treatments can be used to shrink a tumor before local therapy, to prevent reoccurrence, or in cases where the cancer has spread. NCI says surgery is the main local therapy for breast cancer. You should discuss all the options with your doctor before making a final decision. If systemic therapy is used, options include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or biological therapy. The type of treatment will vary for every woman.