Breast cancer develops from cells in the breast tissue. It is the second most common cancer diagnosed in females, after skin cancer. Though men can also get breast cancer, it is much more common in women. Survival rates for breast cancer have risen and breast cancer mortality has steadily decreased. This is largely attributed to early detection, personalized treatment methods, and an enhanced comprehension of the disease.
What are the Treatment of Breast Cancer?
Doctors choose breast cancer treatment options based on factors like cancer type, stage, size, and hormone sensitivity. Treatments aim to remove or destroy cancerous cells and prevent recurrence. Many patients get surgery to remove tumours or entire breasts. Additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy may follow to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
- Surgery includes lumpectomy to remove tumours and margins of healthy tissue, mastectomy to remove entire breasts, and lymph node removal to check cancer spread. Radiation uses focused energy beams to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cells.
- Hormone therapy for breast cancer blocks estrogen production and receptors to stop tumour growth.
- Newer targeted drugs and immunotherapies specifically attack cancer cell proteins and blind spots.
- Supportive palliative care also relieves pain and symptoms alongside other treatments.
Treatment decisions depend on many considerations and often combine multiple approaches for the best chance of long-term survival and well-being.
Conclusion
Breast cancer treatment can involve multiple complex surgeries, chemotherapies, radiation therapies, and more. These interventions aim to eliminate cancer and prevent recurrence, but they often come at a high financial cost. Health insurance plays a critical role in making breast cancer care accessible and affordable. Seeking in-network providers, understanding your policy benefits and limits, and asking about financial assistance programs can further help make breast cancer treatment possible in the face of daunting medical bills. Affordable, quality care saves lives, and insurance plays an invaluable role in the fight.
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.