Cancer treatment has advanced, providing patients with various options. For breast cancer, chemotherapy vs. hormone therapy are key choices, each working differently for the same outcome. Understanding these differences helps patients make conscious decisions.
Read on to explore how both treatments work and their unique benefits.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for various cancers that uses powerful drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cells. It circulates through the bloodstream, targeting cancer but also affecting healthy cells, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
When comparing chemo vs. hormone therapy, it is important to know that chemotherapy is primarily used for cancers that grow independently of hormones. As a systemic treatment, it affects the entire body and is often used to shrink tumors before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells afterward. Administered orally or intravenously, it is commonly recommended for non-hormone-sensitive tumors.
What is hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy targets hormone-sensitive cancers, such as types of breast and prostate cancer, by blocking hormone production or interfering with hormone activity. When comparing hormone therapy vs. chemotherapy for breast cancer, doctors may recommend hormone therapy if the cancer is tested positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors.
This treatment typically has fewer side effects than chemotherapy but can still cause hot flashes, mood changes, and bone thinning. Hormone therapy is administered through pills, injections, or, in some cases, surgery to remove hormone-producing organs.
Conclusion
Choosing between hormone therapy or chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and how it responds to hormones.
For breast cancer patients, the decision often involves assessing whether the tumour is hormone-receptor positive or not. It's essential to consult with your oncologist to weigh each treatment’s benefits and side effects. When treating critical illnesses such as cancer, a health insurance policy can offer essential support. The right coverage can help manage expenses for chemotherapy, hormone therapy, medications, and doctor consultations, ensuring access to the necessary care without financial strain.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.