{"id":785,"date":"2021-10-06T13:44:37","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T13:44:37","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-09-05T23:09:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T15:09:54","slug":"breast-cancer-treatment-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/breast-cancer-treatment-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects: An Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Breast cancer treatment side effects can be truly awful, which is why it\u2019s important to prepare yourself. Whether you or someone you care for is facing breast cancer, preparing yourself for breast cancer treatment side effects is a major component of the battle. Every year, approximately 55,000 women and over 370 men<\/a> receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the UK alone. Worldwide, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it occurs when cells in the breast mutate, typically forming a tumour. Cancerous (malignant) tumours can also spread to other parts of the body, making the rapid treatment of breast cancer essential for survival.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for those with a breast cancer diagnosis, up to 98% of people<\/a> with breast cancer will survive their disease when the cancer is detected early.<\/p>\n

Early detection is common for breast cancer patients because there are typical signs and symptoms<\/a> to watch for. Unfortunately, treatment options such as radiation and chemotherapy can also cause uncomfortable and awful side effects.<\/p>\n

The way your body reacts to a treatment plan is sometimes dependent on your genetic makeup, background, your overall health and the severity of your condition.<\/p>\n

Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects to Expect<\/h2>\n

In recent years, there\u2019s been a rapid increase of life-saving treatment<\/a> advances for breast cancer. Rather than just one or two options, patients today have a range of treatment choices to choose from. Most treatment strategies will include a combination of methods for removing cancer and the remaining damaged cells.<\/p>\n

Surgery is often the first choice for breast cancer treatment, depending on the stage of breast cancer.<\/strong> A lumpectomy, or the removal of the lump can be a popular alternative to a mastectomy (the removal of the breast). However, any surgical procedure has potential side effects. Removal of tissue, lymph nodes and other components of the breast can cause pain, tenderness, and the formation of scar tissue.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth noting the significant change to body appearance can be difficult for some cancer survivors. Fortunately, there are surgical options available to reconstruct the breast for those who feel their self-esteem begins to suffer.<\/p>\n

The most significant side effects from breast cancer are often connected to the medicinal treatment given to shrink or eliminate the rapidly dividing cancerous cells.<\/p>\n

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Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Chemotherapy<\/h2>\n

Chemotherapy is the most common form of cancer treatment<\/a>. It works by attacking rapidly dividing cells in the body. Unfortunately, while cancer cells are responsive to chemotherapy medication, your skin and digestive tract cells are vulnerable too. Chemotherapy, therefore, leads to side effects like vomiting, nausea, hair loss, and general feelings of weakness.<\/p>\n

Doctors can often prescribe medications to accompany chemotherapy treatments to reduce and relieve vomiting and nausea. Side effects can include:<\/p>\n