Types of Treatment for Early Breast Cancer
The goal of treating early and locally advanced breast cancers (stages I, II and III) is to get rid of the cancer and keep it from coming back. These breast cancers include invasive ductal carcinomas and invasive lobular carcinomas.
Learn about treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Learn about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Making treatment decisions
Together, you and your health care team make breast cancer treatment decisions.
After you get a recommended treatment plan from your health care team, take time to study your treatment options. Each treatment option has risks and benefits to consider. Talk with your health care team about your values and lifestyle. Talk to those closest to you. Make thoughtful, informed decisions that are best for you. If you’re unsure, consider getting a second opinion.
Early breast cancer treatment can be divided into local therapy and systemic therapy.
Local therapy
Local therapy removes the cancer from a limited (local) area, such as the breast, chest wall and lymph nodes in the underarm area. It also helps make sure the cancer doesn’t come back to that area.
Local therapy involves surgery, with or without radiation therapy to the breast and nearby lymph nodes.
Learn about factors that affect treatment options.
Systemic therapy (neoadjuvant therapy and adjuvant therapy)
The goal of systemic therapy is to get rid of cancer cells that may have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. These cells are too small to be seen on scans or to be measured with lab tests.
Systemic therapy uses drug therapies that travel throughout the body to get rid of cancer cells. Some drug therapies are given by vein (through an IV) or injection, and some are pills.
Systemic therapy is used in addition to (an adjunct to) breast surgery. So, these treatments are often called adjuvant therapy when given after surgery. When they are given before surgery, they are often called neoadjuvant therapy.
Learn about factors that affect treatment options.
Learn about factors that affect treatment options.
Learn more about side effects of breast cancer treatments.
Learn about financial issues related to treatment.
Learn more about the importance of following your breast cancer treatment plan.
Treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, evidence-based guidelines help ensure high-quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research and agreement among experts.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) are respected organizations that regularly review and update their guidelines.
In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has treatment overviews.
Talk with your health care team about which treatment guidelines they use.
After you get a recommended treatment plan from your health care team, study your treatment options. Together with your health care team, make thoughtful, informed decisions that are best for you. Each treatment option has risks and benefits to consider along with your own values and lifestyle.
Updated 08/25/23