Systemic therapy

Systemic therapy is an anticancer treatment administered before or after surgery to eliminate or prevent the spread of cancer cells that may have left the breast and could grow in other organs (metastases). There are three types of systemic therapy: 

• HORMONE THERAPY: Hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by blocking the body’s ability to produce hormones or by interfering with the effects of hormones on breast cancer cells.
• CHEMOTHERAPY: Chemotherapy works by killing the cancerous cells in your breast or that have spread from your breast. Your care team can use chemotherapy before and/or after breast cancer surgery. Your oncologist may use one kind of chemotherapy drug, combine drugs or use chemotherapy with other treatments. 
• TARGETED THERAPY: Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. Your doctor may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your response to certain targeted therapy drugs. 
• IMMUNOTHERAPY: Some women will benefit from immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

PAIN MANAGEMENT 

In cancer, chronic pain is common, but it’s rare with breast cancer. If you experience pain, discuss the best treatment options with your provider. If opioids are chosen, you’ll be informed about the addiction risks, misuse, abuse and diversion.