Breast cancer is a formidable adversary that affects millions of women worldwide. It should be a journey that women should not go through alone. To combat this disease, oncology doctors employ a step-by-step approach that combines expertise, advanced technologies, and compassionate care. The journey of discovering and treating breast cancer involves a meticulous and multi-disciplinary approach.
In this article, we will take you on a comprehensive journey. You can explore the intricate process of how oncology doctors discover and treat breast cancer. From initial screenings to personalised treatment plans, let’s delve into the world of breast cancer care.
- Breast Cancer Screening: The first step in detecting breast cancer is screening. A breast cancer doctor in Singapore would recommend getting mammograms, clinical breast examinations, and self-examinations. These screenings help identify any potential abnormalities in the breast tissue, such as lumps or changes in shape or texture. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes.
- Diagnostic Testing: Once your breast cancer doctor in Singapore identifies a suspicious area during a screening, diagnostic tests come into play. These may include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or biopsies. Biopsies involve extracting a small tissue sample for further analysis in a laboratory. This is to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
- Staging and Tumour Analysis: Once a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, oncology doctors proceed to the next step. They determine the stage and specific characteristics of the tumour. Staging helps assess the extent of cancer spread, which assists in developing an appropriate treatment plan. They run various tests, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and genetic testing. These professionals evaluate the tumour’s size, location, and receptor status.
- Multi-disciplinary Collaboration: Oncology doctors work closely with a multi-disciplinary team. This includes surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists. This group helps develop an individualised treatment approach for each patient. This collaboration ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are well-considered, thus, leading to comprehensive care.
- Treatment Options: Treatment plans for breast cancer typically involve a combination of therapies tailored to the patient’s unique circumstances. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. The selection of treatment modalities depends on factors such as the tumour’s stage, size, receptor status, and overall patient health.
Surgical Intervention: Surgery plays a significant role in breast cancer treatment. Oncology surgeons perform various procedures, including lumpectomy, which removes the tumour and surrounding tissue. They can also consider mastectomy or the complete removal of the breast. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may also be necessary to restore the breast’s appearance.
- Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapies: Adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are administered after surgery. Breast cancer doctors in Singapore can help eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. On the other hand, neoadjuvant therapies are given before surgery to shrink tumours and increase the likelihood of successful surgical removal.
- Targeted and Hormone Therapies: For breast cancers that express specific receptors, targeted therapies can also get employed. Breast cancer doctors in Singapore may recommend this to interrupt the signals that promote cancer cell growth. Hormone therapy may also be efficient in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. This approach blocks or interferes with oestrogen or progesterone receptors.
- Follow-up and Survivorship Care: Regular follow-up visits are essential once the active treatment phase is complete. Oncology doctors must monitor the patient’s recovery and detect any potential recurrence. Survivorship care involves addressing breast cancer survivors’ physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. This includes support groups, counselling, and rehabilitation services.
Breast cancer is a battle that no one should face alone. If you or someone you know is grappling with this disease, remember that early detection and treatment are crucial. Seek our breast cancer doctors in Singapore at Dr Johann Tang. Contact our website today! Remember, we can fight breast cancer and empower survivors. Let us stand united in the fight against this formidable foe.
