My Breakthrough
Drug treatment
Drug treatment for breast cancer is usually carried out after lumpectomy or mastectomy. There are three main types of drug treatment: chemotherapy, hormone therapy and antibody (targeted) treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells that may have spread outside your breast and armpit into other parts of your body. It is also used to treat secondary breast cancer.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy reduces the risk of your cancer spreading or a new breast cancer developing. It is also sometimes used to treat secondary breast cancer. Chemotherapy and hormone treatment are often used together.
Antibody treatment (Targeted therapy)
Antibody treatment helps to prevent breast cancer cells from getting access to certain proteins that help them to multiply. This is sometimes used after chemotherapy to treat both early breast cancer and secondary breast cancer.
Further information
Find out what standards of breast cancer treatments and services you should expect - download our publication 'The Best Treatment: Your guide to breast cancer treatment in England & Wales' or 'The Best Treatment: Your guide to breast cancer treatment in Scotland'.
Also within "Treatment"
