Breast Cancer and Hormone Therapy

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in American women. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that a woman in the United States has a 1 in 7 chance of developing invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. When breast cancer is found early, it is more likely to be treated with success. Today, more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. Over two million women are breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer treatments
There are different types of breast cancer and different treatments that can work for each type. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor can help you understand what type you have and what treatments would be best for you. Your doctor may talk to you about the following ways to fight the cancer: breast-saving surgery (lumpectomy), breast-removing surgery (mastectomy), radiation treatment, chemotherapy, immune therapy, and hormone therapy.

What is cancer "recurrence"?
Even though surgery can remove a tumor, it is possible that some cancer cells may remain in the body. Recurrence is the term used to describe the return of cancer following initial treatment. Recurrence can be either at the same site as the original tumor or somewhere else in the body.

What treatments can help lower the risk of my breast cancer recurring?
Treatment to lower the risk of recurrence is called "adjuvant" treatment. Adjuvant means "in addition to". In breast cancer, this means that you receive another therapy in addition to your primary or initial treatment, such as surgery. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are two different types of adjuvant treatment.

What is "hormone therapy"?
Hormone therapy keeps some cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to survive and grow. This type of therapy will only work on breast cancer that reacts to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen can make some breast cancer cells grow. Hormone therapy drugs are taken to reduce the amount of estrogen made in the body or to help keep estrogen away from breast cancer cells. Some hormone therapy treatments can reduce the chances of breast cancer coming back, spreading, or starting in the first place.

If I have been prescribed hormone therapy, do I really need to take my medicine every day for many years, even if I feel fine?
The benefit you get from hormone therapy may only be achieved when the medicine is taken as prescribed by your doctor. The highest risk of breast cancer recurrence is within the first five years after the initial diagnosis. It is important that you take your medication for as long as it is prescribed.

This information is provided as reference material and is based in part on information derived from third parties. I.U.O.E. Local 132 does not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of any third-party material noted on this page.