Hormone therapy helps treat breast cancer by blocking or lowering estrogen and progesterone levels, hormones that some cancers rely on to grow. This treatment focuses on hormone-sensitive cancers.
Hormone therapy is used for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, not effective for hormone receptor-negative cases. Testing helps determine the right candidates.
This therapy blocks hormone receptors or reduces hormone production, preventing cancer cells from growing or spreading. It’s a targeted approach to slow the disease.
Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are common drugs in hormone therapy, each with specific benefits and side effects. Doctors choose based on your needs.
It lowers the chance of cancer recurrence, slows its growth, and may shrink tumors before surgery. Patients often experience long-term benefits.
Possible side effects include hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, and bone thinning, which vary based on the medication used. Managing side effects is part of care.
Hormone therapy typically lasts 5-10 years, depending on the cancer stage and individual health factors. Commitment ensures the best outcomes.
It is often used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Combining therapies improves success rates.
Hormone therapy is a vital option for hormone-sensitive breast cancer, offering hope and effective treatment to many patients. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.