Once the biopsy is taken, it is reviewed under a microscope and special tests for estrogen, progesterone, and certain genes are done. In the treatment of breast cancer, two areas are important to consider and they can be classified as local and systemic treatment. Local treatment to the breast and surrounding areas is aimed at keeping the tumor from coming back to the breast or chest wall. Surgery and radiation are two types of local treatment. They can sometimes be combined for more effective treatment of some conditions of the breast.
Systemic treatment is aimed at keeping the tumor from coming back in other areas of the body.
Chemotherapy and hormonal therapies are examples of systemic anti-cancer drug treatment that reaches the cancerous cells through the bloodstream. It affects a number of women in our community each year. African American women often wait too long to get medical attention. Early detection leads to better outcomes. If you are over 40, make sure you get an annual mammogram, clinical breast exam, and do monthly breast self exams.