How to Survive Breast Cancer

1). If you are 40 years old and older, screen for breast cancer every year using mammography. Early detection of breast cancer increases the chance of survival significantly. For instance, the 5-year survival rate of early-stage breast cancer is 90 to 95%. On the other hand, the 5-year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer is merely 45 to 50%.
2). Choose surgery to remove cancerous tumors from your breast. The type and extend of surgery will depend on the stage of cancer, and your personal preference regarding your physical appearance.
3). Consult a radiation oncologist to use radiation therapy to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. Studies show that radiation can reduce the risk of recurrent breast cancer by 70 to 80%. Learn about the side effects of radiation. Radiation therapy can be tolerated by many and their side-effects also tend to be limited to the targeted area.
4). Chemotherapy is an alternative method for preventing recurrence and spreading of breast cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of drug to interfere with rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Chemotherapy can also be used in combination with radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy has many side effects. It could affect the normal function of the heart, liver, kidney and other organs.
5). Test to find out whether your cancer is suitable for hormonal therapy, which is very effective against breast cancers that are tested positive for hormone receptor. Hormonal therapy blocks the activation of certain hormone receptors and consequently, the growth of tumor cells.
6). Use targeted therapy based on biologics to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. If your cancer is HER2 positive, you can use Herceptin, which blocks the signals that active growth processes. Avastin is another popular targeted therapy for breast cancer.