Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer: How It Works and Who Needs It?
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, and its treatment often involves a combination of therapies. Among the many treatment options available, hormone therapy plays a crucial role in managing certain types of breast cancer.
This
therapy is particularly effective for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer,
which relies on hormones like oestrogen and progesterone to grow.
Dr. Kanuj Malik, a highly experienced
surgical oncologist with 14 years of expertise, has been at the forefront
of breast cancer treatment, providing personalized care to patients.
As a
leading breast cancer specialist in Noida, he emphasizes the importance
of understanding hormone therapy and its role in improving treatment outcomes.
What is Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer?
Hormone
therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a treatment that helps prevent
hormone receptor-positive breast cancer from growing and spreading.
It works
by either blocking the body's natural hormones or lowering their levels to
prevent cancer cells from receiving the signals they need to grow.
Unlike
chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, hormone therapy targets the
underlying mechanisms that drive cancer growth.
It is
often recommended after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to reduce the risk
of recurrence. In some cases, it is also used before surgery to shrink tumors
and make them easier to remove.
How Does Hormone Therapy Work?
Hormone
therapy works in two primary ways:
1. Blocking Hormone Receptors
Some
breast cancer cells have receptors that bind to ooestrogen or progesterone,
which fuels their growth. Medications like Tamoxifen act as selective ooestrogen
receptor modulators (SERMs), preventing ooestrogen from attaching to cancer
cells and stopping their growth.
2. Reducing Hormone Production
Another
approach involves lowering the overall production of hormones in the body.
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as Letrozole, Anastrozole, and Exemestane
reduce ooestrogen levels in postmenopausal women, making it harder for cancer
cells to thrive.
Other
drugs, like ovarian suppression medications, prevent the ovaries from producing
oestrogen, an option often recommended for premenopausal women.
Who Needs Hormone Therapy?
Hormone
therapy is not suitable for all breast cancer patients. It is specifically used
for those diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. If the
cancer is hormone receptor-negative, hormone therapy will not be effective.
Your
oncologist will determine if hormone therapy is right for you based on factors
such as:
- The presence of oestrogen or
progesterone receptors in cancer cells
- The stage and grade of the
cancer
- Your menopausal status
- Your overall health and
medical history
Dr. Kanuj Malik, a renowned breast cancer
specialist in Noida, evaluates each patient’s condition carefully to
develop a customized treatment plan, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy
- Reduces the risk of
recurrence:
Hormone therapy helps prevent cancer from returning after primary
treatment.
- Slows cancer progression: In cases of advanced or
metastatic breast cancer, it can slow down the disease's spread.
- Less invasive than
chemotherapy:
Unlike chemotherapy, hormone therapy does not cause significant damage to
healthy cells, reducing severe side effects.
Side Effects of Hormone Therapy
Like any
treatment, hormone therapy comes with potential side effects, though they vary
from person to person. Common side effects include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings and depression
- Joint and muscle pain
- Osteoporosis (in
postmenopausal women)
- Increased risk of blood
clots (especially with Tamoxifen)
Patients
undergoing hormone therapy under the supervision of Dr. Kanuj Malik, a
leading breast cancer specialist in Noida, receive expert guidance on
managing side effects and ensuring optimal treatment outcomes.
How Long Does Hormone Therapy Last?
The
duration of hormone therapy depends on various factors, including the stage of
cancer and the patient's risk of recurrence. In most cases, treatment lasts for
5 to 10 years to provide long-term protection against cancer returning.
Combining Hormone Therapy with Other Treatments
Hormone
therapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as:
- Surgery: To remove the primary tumour
- Radiation therapy: To destroy any remaining
cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: To attack specific cancer
cell features
A
comprehensive approach ensures the best possible prognosis, and Dr. Kanuj
Malik is well-known for adopting multidisciplinary strategies to offer the
most effective treatments to his patients.
Conclusion
Hormone
therapy is a vital treatment option for hormone receptor-positive breast
cancer, helping to slow cancer growth, reduce recurrence risk, and improve
survival rates. While it comes with some side effects, its benefits outweigh
the risks for many patients.
For those
seeking expert breast cancer care, Dr. Kanuj Malik, a highly experienced
surgical oncologist with 14 years of expertise, is one of the most trusted
names in the field.
As a breast
cancer specialist in Noida, he offers cutting-edge treatments and
personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.
If you or
a loved one has been diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer,
consult Dr. Kanuj Malik for expert advice and treatment options tailored
to your needs.
Qure Clinic
Address -
Shop No 143 1st floor, Cleo Street, near CLEO COUNTY, Sector 121, Noida, Uttar
Pradesh, 201301
Email –
kanujmalik03@rediff.com
Phone -
+91 9315430568
Monday To
Saturday – 9:00AM–9:00PM
Sunday
closed
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