Testing helps identify treatments for breast cancer

Metastatic cancer - cancer that has spread from the region of the body where it first started, to other areas - is generally regarded as being incurable. In 2013, 39,620 women died from metastatic breast cancer in the US.A study testing all the DNA in the genome of cancer cells - the first of its kind - has identified individuals that may benefit from new treatments currently being tested in clinical trials.

Progress in developing effective new chemotherapy or hormonal therapies for metastatic cancer has been slow, though there have been developments in therapies targeting specific genetic mutations in breast cancer.

In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer. The decisions — surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy — can feel overwhelming.

Planning Your Treatment 

What types of treatment are available, the most likely sequence of treatments, treatment options by cancer stage, and fitting treatment into your schedule.

Getting a Second Opinion

Reasons for getting a second opinion about your treatment plan, how to go about getting one, and what to do once you've got it.

Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph node dissection, and what to expect from each. Also included: Prophylactic surgery and breast reconstruction.

Chemotherapy

How chemotherapy works, who should get it, different types and combinations, and side effects and how to manage them.

Radiation Therapy

How radiation therapy works, who it's for, advantages, side effects, and what to expect when you get it.

Hormonal Therapy

The link between hormones and breast cancer and how different groups of drugs — including Reds, Seems, and aromatic inhibitors — can affect that link. Also covered: Side effects of hormonal therapies.