According to the Department of Health (DOH), about 3% of all women in the Philippines will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime. Reports also say that of the 86,484 cancer cases recorded in the Philippines annually, 27,163 or about 31% of those cases is Breast Cancer.
Like any other cancer, living with Breast Cancer is a challenging and often overwhelming experience. Apart from the physical effects such as fatigue, pain, and the side effects of treatment, many women also suffer from significant emotional and mental strain. Anxiety, depression, and fear are common companions throughout the journey from diagnosis to treatment. These feelings are often intensified by the uncertainty of the illness, coupled with concerns over how undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery will affect their daily lives.
Diana Cua, MD, a Breast Surgeon at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), emphasizes that treatment options for Breast Cancer are now more advanced and personalized, offering effective solutions with manageable side effects — ultimately improving both outcomes and quality of life.
In the past too, the diagnosis process would have involved an operation. However, thanks to evolving technology, diagnosis is now done through a quick procedure called a needle biopsy. Here, the doctor uses a thin needle to extract small tissue samples from the breast tumor by inserting it through your skin.
“This is much easier on the woman. The great thing about is if it turns out not to be cancer, it saves you the hassle of going through an unnecessary procedure,” the doctor says.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Patients
The initial treatment will depend on how far the cancer has progressed. “If the cancer is caught early, it’s possible that treatment will only involve surgery and hormone therapy,” Dr. Cua says.
Around 70% to 80% of Breast Cancers have hormone receptors, which can trigger cancer cell growth when hormones bind to them. Hormone therapy drugs prevent hormones from attaching to these receptors, helping to stop the growth of new cancer cells. Hormone therapy is given before surgery, in
order to shrink cancerous tumors and streamline surgery. Similarly, targeted therapy focuses on genetic changes or mutations that cause healthy cells to become cancerous and is given via pills or shots.
For more advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be needed. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong drugs to destroy fast-growing cells in the body. It is mainly used to treat cancer because cancer cells grow and multiply much faster than most normal cells. On the other hand, radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
Dr. Cua admits that Breast Cancer treatments do come with side effects. Chemotherapy may cause nausea and temporary hair loss, while radiation therapy can feel like a sunburn. Hormone therapy can lead to hot flashes.
However, Dr. Cua reassures patients by reminding them that Breast Cancer treatments are done on an outpatient basis. “Unlike treatment for other cancers, you can go home on the same day,” says Dr. Cua. “Some treatments, like targeted therapy, have little to no noticeable side effects. With the right care, you can focus on healing and recovery.”
Breast Cancer Surgery: Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy
Most women couple breast cancer therapy with surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Two common surgical options for breast cancer surgeries are mastectomy and lumpectomy.
In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed to eliminate the cancerous tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence.
In a lumpectomy, however, there is the possibility of saving more of the breast. “In the mid-70s studies came out finding that not all of the breast had to be removed, which resulted in lumpectomies. Here, only the cancerous part is taken out, leaving a more even appearance to your breasts,” says Dr. Cua. Lumpectomies become more feasible when treatments like chemotherapy effectively shrink the cancerous area. Lumpectomies are a popular choice for many breast cancer patients because they help maintain the natural shape of the breasts, which can play a significant role in preserving self-image and confidence.
In case the whole breast needs to be removed, some women opt for breast reconstruction surgery, which can help restore the appearance of the breast, boosting confidence and aiding emotional recovery. Dr. Cua often recommends that reconstruction be performed immediately after a mastectomy, with a plastic surgeon ready to rebuild the breast using either implants or fat from the patient’s own body.
Between therapies, surgeries, and reconstructive options, there are many ways for women to recover and go back to leading a normal life, stresses Dr. Cua.
“What’s crucial are proactive measures like regular self-examinations, which help identify unusual lumps or changes in breast tissue early. Women aged 40 and above, or those with a family history of breast cancer, should also prioritize regular mammograms to detect any signs of cancer at an early stage. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery,” the doctor explains.
With the right care, many women diagnosed with Breast Cancer are able to regain their health and lead full, fulfilling lives afterward
WATCH: Surviving Breast Cancer: A Journey of Grace and Optimism #MyMakatiMedStory
Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound procedures are offered at both MakatiMed Breast Clinic and MakatiMed Wellness Center (at the Ayala North Exchange), while special procedures such as core biopsy, needle wire localization, galactography, among others are performed at the main hospital building.
Seek the help of your OB-Gyn Specialist today. For the complete list of Makati Medical Center’s OB-Gyn Specialists, click here. You may also reach us via MakatiMed On-Call at (+632) 8888 8999 or at [email protected].
Article based on the Doctors on TV episode “Early detection is key!” last October 22, 2023.
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