Updated overview of breast cancer: what it is, how screening and prevention help, and current surgical and systemic treatment options including breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, hormone and targeted therapies.
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells but also affects healthy fast-growing tissues, causing side effects like hair loss and low blood counts. Supportive drugs and newer therapies (targeted drugs, immunotherapy) have improved outcomes, but chemotherapy remains an important tool, often used with surgery or radiation.
Lung cancer often shows no early symptoms, so screening and prompt evaluation are critical. Modern care combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy based on tumor type, stage, and molecular markers. Clinical trials and symptom-focused care remain central to treatment.
Mastectomy remains a key option for treating and reducing risk of breast cancer. Modern approaches - skin- and nipple-sparing techniques, sentinel node biopsy, and immediate reconstruction - improve cosmetic and functional outcomes. Choice depends on stage, genetics, and the need for additional therapies.