Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs kill or disable cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for most breast cancers.
The decision to use chemotherapy is based on the tumor stage and certain tumor characteristics (such as hormone receptor status), as well as your age, overall health and personal preferences.
It’s normal to worry about possible side effects of chemotherapy, but many can be managed. Your health care provider may be able to treat or prevent many side effects. Or they may be able to change your treatment plan to reduce them.
Learn about chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.
Chemotherapy for early and locally advanced breast cancer
After breast surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy)
For people with early breast cancer, chemotherapy is usually given after breast surgery (called adjuvant chemotherapy), but before radiation therapy.
Adjuvant chemotherapy helps lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence by getting rid of cancer cells that might still be in the body. These cells are too small to see on scans or to measure with lab tests.
Learn more about getting chemotherapy.
Before breast surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy)
Sometimes, chemotherapy is used before surgery (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy or preoperative chemotherapy).
In women with large tumors who need a mastectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may shrink the tumor enough so a lumpectomy becomes an option.
In women with locally advanced breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor in the breast and/or in the lymph nodes, making it easier to surgically remove the cancer.
In some cases, response to neoadjuvant therapy can help guide treatment after breast cancer surgery.
Learn more about neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Learn more about getting chemotherapy.
Click on the topics below to learn more.
Chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer
For people with metastatic breast cancer, chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells that have spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy can reduce cancer-related symptoms and increase survival.
Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, evidence-based guidelines help make sure high-quality care is given. 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 follow.
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 has risks and benefits to consider along with your own values and lifestyle.
Prescription drug assistance
Chemotherapy drug costs can quickly become a financial burden for you and your family.
Medicare and many insurance companies offer prescription drug plans. One may already be included in your policy, or you may be able to buy an extra plan for prescriptions.
Some drugs are off-patent and may have a generic form. Generic drugs cost less than the name brands but are just as effective.
You may also qualify for programs that help with drug costs or offer low-cost or free prescriptions.
Many cancer centers have financial counselors who can discuss insurance and cost coverage with you.
Learn more about insurance plans and prescription drug assistance programs.
Learn more about other financial assistance programs.
Komen Financial Assistance Program |
Susan G. Komen® created the Komen Financial Assistance Program to help those struggling with the costs of breast cancer treatment by providing financial assistance to eligible individuals. To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org. Se habla español. |
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Susan G. Komen®‘s position on fairness in oral cancer drug coverage |
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Insurance coverage of oral cancer drugs Cancer medications given through an IV into a vein or by an injection (under the skin or into a muscle) are usually covered under a health insurance plan’s medical benefit. However, oral cancer drugs (cancer medications that are pills) are usually covered under a health insurance plan’s prescription drug benefit. As a result, people often find themselves facing high out-of-pocket costs when filling prescriptions for oral cancer drugs. Sometimes these costs can be thousands of dollars a month. The impact of high cost-sharing High prescription drug costs and the resulting out-of-pocket burden on patients are a barrier to care. They can prevent people from getting the medications prescribed by their health care providers. No one should be forced to get less appropriate treatment because an insurer gives more coverage for IV and injectable drugs than for pills. Efforts to increase fairness in drug coverage Komen supports state and federal efforts to require insurers to provide the same or better coverage for oral cancer drugs as they do for IV and injectable cancer drugs. This would help make sure patients have access to affordable, appropriate treatment. Become a Komen Advocacy Insider Sign up to be a Komen Advocacy Insider and get informed when action is needed on drug coverage issues at the state or national level. |
You’re not alone
If you’re facing chemotherapy, it’s normal to feel worried or scared about going through it and the side effects you may have. You may also be thinking about what your life will be like after you finish treatment. Many people have been where you are today. They had the same fears. They’ve gone through breast cancer treatment and are living their lives.
Sharing experiences and advice with others going through chemotherapy or those who’ve finished treatment may help. You can do this in a support group or by connecting one-on-one with another breast cancer survivor.
You can also talk with your health care providers about how you’re coping. They care about your overall well-being and can help you find ways to improve it. In addition to suggesting a support group, they may connect you to another member of your health care team, such as a social worker or patient navigator, for support. They may also refer you to a counselor.
Emotional health after chemotherapy
After chemotherapy, you may feel a buildup of emotions. You may have been anxious leading up to it and, afterward you may feel a sense of relief or you may be worried about what happens next. This is normal.
Make sure you take time to recover both emotionally and physically. You may want to have family and friends available for support.
Our Support section has a list of resources to help find local and online support groups and other resources.
Learn more about social support and support groups.
Learn about healthy ways to cope with stress.
Susan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Updated 08/16/24
