Options after surgery.What are post-surgery treatments?
You might hear your care team talk about adjuvant treatment, which is also called treatment after surgery. Post-surgery treatment can be radiation therapy in just the area of the cancer (called local therapy). Another post-surgery option is a type of systemic therapy (treatment that affects your whole body to help fight cancer). Your care team may choose a systemic therapy based on how it works for your breast cancer type.
The type of post-surgery treatment used and the chances of success can depend on how your body responded to pre-surgery treatment, if given, and surgery.
The post-surgery recommendation may also be based on the breast cancer type — HR+, HER2+, TNBC, and others. Certain types of breast cancer respond differently to the options available. Talk to your care team to decide what’s right for you.
The type of post-surgery treatment used and the chances of success can depend on how your body responded to pre‑surgery treatment, if given, and surgery.
Possible benefits of post-surgery treatment
Some benefits of post-surgery treatment are similar to pre-surgery treatment: it may lower the risk that the cancer will come back, and it destroys remaining cancer cells in your body before they spread.
Possible risks of post-surgery treatment
Post-surgery treatment does not work for everyone. It is possible that the breast cancer will continue to grow. There’s always a chance the cancer could come back, even with pre-surgery treatment, surgery, and post-surgery treatments. Your care team will make a follow-up plan for you if needed.
Each therapy option comes with its own set of risks and benefits to consider before making a post-surgery treatment choice. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your care team. If you plan to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about fertility before starting treatment.
Post-surgery treatment may lower the risk that the cancer will come back, and it destroys remaining cancer cells in your body before they spread.
Post-surgery treatment may be an option if you:
- Have stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer
- Have TNBC, or if your breast cancer is HER2+ or HR+
- Received pre-surgery treatment
- Had cancer found in your lymph nodes
- Have a risk of cancer coming back (determined by your care team)
- Want another chance to treat the cancer after surgery, if cancer still remains in your body
The confidence to go forward.
You understand your diagnosis. You know all your options. Now, you’re ready to move ahead and prepare for treatment. Read more…