Surgery - Local surgery to remove cancerous tissue usually involves either a mastectomy or lumpectomy (also called breast conserving therapy or partial mastectomy). This is sometimes a less desirable form of surgery but is often needed to completely remove the cancer. When given the choice of living or removing part of the breast tissue, the best option is usually quite obvious.

Radiation therapy - Radiation treatments are used to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. There are several different kinds of radiation treatment. Most radiation therapy uses high powered x-rays to kill cancerous cells in the body. It can also be combined with other forms of treatment to provide the greatest benefit to the patient.

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy uses drugs (or chemicals, thus the name of "chemo") to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is perhaps best known, and feared, for its side effects can include nausea, hair loss, early menopause, hot flashes, fatigue and temporarily lowered blood counts. Many people prefer to pursue other options before the resort to chemotherapy, but it sometimes is the only option, especially if the cancer has started spreading to other parts of the body.

Hormone therapy - Hormone therapies for breast cancer include tamoxifen, and the aromatase inhibitors Arimidex, Aromasin and Femara. Hormone therapy uses drugs to prevent hormones, especially estrogen. By preventing the production of estrogen the continued growth of estrogen cells after breast cancer surgery is stunted.

Systemic therapy can be given after local treatment. Therapy called Adjuvant therapy is used after local treatments to kill any additional cancer cells that remain in the body and not necessarily just in the breast. A patient may be required to go through just one form of the above mentioned treatments or a combination of treatments may be chosen depending on the specific needs of the patient and the specifics of the cancer.

When choosing breast cancer treatment, remember that the woman always has choices. Although the doctors may have the experience and expertise to guide you in making your treatment decisions, remember that the choice is ultimately yours and that you don't have to do anything you are uncomfortable with. You should be sure to discuss any concerns that you have regarding a certain type of treatment plan with your doctor. If you don't understand anything about the procedure, then you should ask questions and clarify until you do. You should know the risks, side effects, as well as any other information that may affect the impact your treatment has on your lifestyle. There is a lot at stake when treating breast cancer, so making an informed decision is very important.

Remember to consider all of the choices you have when considering treatment for breast cancer. Be sure to do the proper research and that you understand what your choices will mean for you.