Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Australia, with 1 in 7 women being diagnosed. It also affects men but far less commonly. There are many different types of breast cancer and the treatment you will receive will be personalised depending on the subtype and your general health.
Although being diagnosed with breast cancer is a stressful and challenging time in your life, here in Australia we have access to some of the best treatment in the world and as a result the 5 year survival is over 90%. Many women will be cured of the disease if they have the recommended treatment.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
Following your diagnosis Dr Forsyth will make recommendations about what type of treatment you need, and in what sequence. She is a member of the Prince of Wales Hospital Breast Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) where she discusses all of her breast cancer patients.
Breast Cancer Surgery
Most women will undergo surgery at some point in their breast cancer treatment. It could be the first step in your journey, or for some women it follows chemotherapy. Surgery involves removing the tumour from your breast and some, or all of the lymph nodes in your arm pit.
There are two main options for breast cancer surgery:
Breast conserving surgery: This involves removing the tumour with a cuff of normal surrounding breast tissue to obtain a clear margin. This is often referred to as a ‘wide local excision’ or ‘lumpectomy’. For most women this is followed by radiotherapy.
Mastectomy, with or without reconstruction: A mastectomy involves removal of the whole breast and is often combined with a reconstruction. When performed with a reconstruction your skin and nipple can often be preserved, but this will depend on the size and location of your tumour.
Dr Forsyth will counsel you in regard to which surgical options are appropriate for you.
Chemotherapy
Some women will be recommended chemotherapy as part of their treatment. This can be given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery. This is largely dependent on the subtype of your tumour. Dr Forsyth will refer you to a Medical Oncologist if you require chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy
Many women will have radiotherapy following surgery. Most women who have breast conservation will be recommend radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the tumour growing back in the future. Some women will also need radiotherapy after a mastectomy. Dr Forsyth will refer you to a Radiation Oncologist if you require radiotherapy.
Endocrine Therapy
If your tumour is oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) then you will most likely be recommended to take an oestrogen blocking medication as part of your treatment. This reduces the risk of the breast cancer cells growing again, and of another breast cancer developing. Dr Forsyth will discuss this in more detail with you following your surgery.
Targeted Therapy
Some sub types of breast cancer, such as HER2 positive tumours, respond very well to ‘targeted’ medications such as Herceptin (Trastuzamab). These medications are very effective at treating these particular tumours and may be recommended to you. They are usually given along side chemotherapy.