Breast Cancer Treatment
Our Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment
At Houston Methodist, our goal is to provide the most effective breast cancer treatment, preserving healthy tissue whenever possible. We do this by considering all available options, taking into account your personal needs and preferences, and offering access to cutting-edge clinical trials.
We provide breast cancer treatment at eight locations across the Greater Houston area, allowing you or your loved one to receive treatment close to home or work.
Benefits of Choosing the Houston Methodist Care Team
- Personalized treatment plans designed for your specific stage and type of breast cancer
- Dedicated care from an expert team of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nurse navigators and support staff
- Methods of preserving healthy breast tissue whenever possible, such as skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
- Techniques that limit radiation exposure to the heart and lungs for left-side breast cancer, including heart-sparing prone positioning
- Advanced breast reconstruction techniques that can help restore form, function and sensation to the breast
- Access to breast cancer clinical trials, which offer treatments that are not available elsewhere
Breast Cancer Treatments We Offer
Depending on the type and stage of breast cancer , one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
Surgery for Breast Cancer
Surgery is almost always needed to treat breast cancer. Depending on the type and stage, one of several surgical procedures may be recommended to resect the tumor, such as lumpectomy or mastectomy. In some cases, skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies may be able to be used to preserve healthy breast tissue.
Learn more about breast cancer surgery >
Breast Reconstructive Surgery
If surgery results in the removal of a large portion of the breast, our reconstructive surgeons are experts at restoring its shape and form — using either implants or your own tissue. Through advanced techniques not offered by most hospital systems, our team can also help restore sensation in reconstructed breast tissue.
Learn more about breast reconstructive surgery >
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy uses a beam of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area. For breast cancer treatment, radiation therapy may be used after surgery to help ensure breast cancer does not come back or to help relieve pain and other symptoms of metastatic breast cancer.
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. For breast cancer, it's usually combined with other treatment options.
Not all breast cancer care plans will include chemotherapy. It may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor and help provide a better chance for complete resection, or after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain. Chemotherapy may also be used to help relieve symptoms of metastatic breast cancer.
Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target molecules that cancer cells need to survive. Many different targeted therapies exist, and this type of therapy can be used for HER2-positive breast cancers, hormone-positive breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancers or if BRCA mutations are present.
Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Hormone therapy is a type of targeted therapy that often plays an important role in treating breast cancer, particularly if the cancer cells make estrogen or progesterone receptors.
This type of therapy is often used after surgery to ensure any remaining cancer cells are destroyed. In some cases, it may be given before surgery to help shrink the tumor prior to resection.
Exploring Advanced Treatment Options: Clinical Trials at Our Cancer Center
Participating in a clinical trial can offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. It’s an opportunity to play an active role in your own health care and contribute to medical research that could benefit future patients.
See our current breast cancer clinical trials >
Navigating the Decision-Making Process
Deciding on the best course of treatment for breast cancer can be overwhelming. At Houston Methodist, you are a part of the process. We prioritize your empowerment at each step as we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique situation.
If you choose Houston Methodist as your care provider, you will never be fighting cancer alone.
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FAQs About Breast Cancer Treatment
Which breast cancer treatment is most effective?
The effectiveness of breast cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual health factors. Typically, a combination of treatments is most effective. Your care team will develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique situation.
Are breast cancer treatments painful?
Some breast cancer treatments may cause discomfort or pain, but pain management strategies are always part of the treatment plan to minimize your discomfort.
What is the first line of treatment for breast cancer?
The first line of treatment for breast cancer can depend on the stage and type of breast cancer, but surgery is almost always needed. Additional treatments — hormone therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy — are sometimes given before surgery to help shrink the tumor prior to resection.
What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment?
Side effects vary based on the type of treatment. Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss, nausea and changes in skin and breast appearance. Your care team will work with you to manage and mitigate these effects.