Treatment for breast cancer

There are many different types of treatment for breast cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.


There are a number of treatment options depending on the type and stage of your breast cancer, and your own needs.

Some treatments include:

  • Radiation therapy for breast cancer – uses radiation to destroy cancer cells, reduce their growth or to relieve symptoms. Radiation therapy treatment is usually used for women who have had breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) and sometimes after a mastectomy
  • Chemotherapy – involves the use of anti-cancer drugs. They can be given orally (by mouth) or injected into the body
  • Targeted therapies – a more individualised type of therapy which focus specifically on targeting cancer, rather than healthy cells
  • Hormone therapy – a form of therapy that can target any cancer cells within the body.2 Depending on the type of breast cancer, hormone therapy may not be suitable for all women2

Surgery

Surgery can either be breast-conserving surgery such as a lumpectomy (removal of the lump within the breast tissue) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). To find out if the breast cancer has spread to axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, one or more of these lymph nodes will be removed and looked at under the microscope. This is an important part of figuring out the stage (extent) of the cancer. Lymph nodes may be removed either as part of the surgery to remove the breast cancer or as a separate operation.1

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

Treatment at Icon

Bowen Icon Cancer Centre offer a range of breast cancer treatments to ensure a personalised treatment plan for every patient. Our specialists utilise the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat breast cancer. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

Visit our treatments page to find out more information about the range of treatment methods and technology available at Icon.

References

For a full list of references, click here.
  1. Surgery for breast cancer. (2016). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 18th December 2018 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer.html
  2. Chemotherapy for breast cancer. (2017). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 18thDecember 2018 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer.html

Understanding fees

We will work with you to ensure you’re aware of any out-of-pocket expenses and make sure there are no surprises throughout your treatment.
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Download your free Breast Cancer Treatment Guide

Be informed, feel empowered. Our free guide will help you make decisions about your, or your loved ones, care.
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Care team

Every member of our team are here to help you. Here are some of the people you may meet and the role they have in your care.
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Contact us

  • 04 896 0200
  • Level B3, Bowen Specialist Medical Centre 98 Churchill Drive Crofton Downs Wellington 6035