Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the breast tissue. Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Once breast cancer is found, staging tests are done. This will help to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent and what treatment is needed. Below you'll find some of the latest information about breast cancer treatments as well some additional resources you may find helpful.
EMPOWHER BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer Definition and Overview
BREAST CANCER TREATMENT: SURGERY AND RECONSTRUCTION
“Preventive Mastectomy May Not Lower Risks," March 26, 2010
“Therapy May Relieve Breast Cancer Surgery Complication," January 13, 2010
“Mastectomy Rates Down Overall, New Study Finds," June 15, 2010
BREAST CANCER TREATMENT - HORMONES & CHEMOTHERAPY
“Peaches & Plums May Replace Chemotherapy," June 8, 2010
“Longer Drug Regimen Still Best Against Breast Cancer," June 2, 2010
“Three New Technologies For Beating Breast Cancer,” March 1, 2010
“Approval Expanded for Breast Cancer Drug Tykerb,” February 11, 2010
“Tweaks to Breast Cancer Treatments Boost Outcomes,” December 12, 2009
“Drug Could Help Treat Small HER2-Positive Breast Tumors,” November 3, 2009
BREAST CANCER TREATMENT - RADIATION
“Gene May Offer Target to Boost Radiation Therapy,” April 5, 2010
“More Women Urged to Get Radiation After Mastectomy,” March 31, 2010
“Radiation Most Effective Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery,” March 4, 2010
VIDEO: “Radiation Therapy Products: Which Are the Best?- Dr. Wollman,” February 26, 2010
VIDEO: “Breast Cancer Radiation, Which is Most Effective?– Dr. Chaiken,” January 4, 2010
OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES AND LINKS
National Breast Cancer Foundation
National Cancer Institute: Breast Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute: Clinical Trials on Breast Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine