Breast cancer is a very severe type of cancer that is highly common in women. After the age of 40, the risk of cancer is extremely high, and right now, there are over 2.5 recorded new cases of breast cancer.
As this disease is so widely common and dangerous simultaneously, we believe patients should be aware of it and its treatments. That’s why we will discuss a fantastic treatment called Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer today. Make sure you read the article completely to know all about this Therapy.
What is Endocrine Therapy?
The Endocrine Therapy is also known as hormone therapy. In this treatment for breast cancer, the patient is provided with certain hormone blockers that are favorable in the cancer development. The goal is to block the cancer cell growth and limit the hormones reaching these cells.
In this Therapy, certain medications block the access of hormones to the cancer cells or stop their production. As the cancer cells get weak by the time they get killed with the help of Endocrine Treatment for Breast Cancer.
Stages of Breast Cancer
One very important part of every cancer treatment is identifying the type of cancer. Doctors have to run certain screening tests on patients to ensure which type of cancer the patient is dealing with. There are 5 types or stages of Breast Cancer. We have discussed them in detail below.
Stage 0
This is the early stage of cancer. Breast cancer has only affected the milk ducts and is very minor and isn’t very dangerous.
Stage 1
The cancer cells start to grow and get larger in size in Stage 1 Cancer. However, the lymph nodes are still safe and haven’t been affected by the cancer cells. Treatment at this stage is highly important.
Stage 2
In Stage 2 Cancer, the condition of the patients gets severe. She starts to feel pain in her Breast, and the lymph nodes get affected by the cancer cells at this stage.
Stage 3
As the cancer stages increase, the condition of the patients gets more and more severe. In Stage 3 Cancer, the cancer has spread to the parts near the Breast. The underarm skin around the Breast gets affected by the cancer cells.
Stage 4
This is the last stage of breast cancer. The Stage 4 Cancer patient has very low stakes of treatment. The cancer gets spread to distant body parts. The bones, kidneys, and even brains get affected by cancer at this stage.
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Benefits of Endocrine Therapy
Endocrine Therapy is extremely helpful after surgery, chemotherapy, or any other treatment you have for Breast cancer. There are many other medicines, but Endocrine has certain features that improve this Therapy type.
We have shared the great Endocrine Therapy Benefits below:
Lower the Side Effects of Surgery
After the cancer surgery, patients risk getting side effects like extreme weight loss or low immunity. Endocrine Therapy works exceptionally well to lower these post-surgery side effects.
Reduce the Cancer reoccurrence Rate.
Cancer reoccurrence is the possibility of reappearing of cancer cells in the body. This will cause the cancer to develop once again in the body. With eth Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer, the rate of cancer reoccurrence gets extremely low.
Improves Quality of Life
Endocrine Therapy also is very helpful in improving the lifestyle after cancer treatment. Regular use of Endocrine medicine saves the patient from any major side effect and also help the patient maintain healthy physical and mental health.
Slow the Cancer Growth
Some doctors also suggest Endocrine Therapy for the patient with early stage of breast cancer. With the Endocrine Treatment, the growth of cancer cells gets slow. In some cases, stage 0 cancer gets treated with the help of Endocrine Therapy.
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Endocrine Therapy Side Effects
Endocrine Therapy also has a few side effects that patients should be aware of. These side effects are usually normal and don’t majorly affect. Still, if you identify any adverse effects, stop taking the Endocrine medicine and report it to your doctor.
We have listed the possible side effects of Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer below:
- Vaginal Dryness
- Weight Gain
- Bone Loss
- Increased Risk of Blood Clots
- Fatigue & Body Pain
- Headache
- Irregular Menstrual Periods
Treatment Along with Endocrine Therapy
In the Endocrine Treatment, there are medications that help with the blockage of hormones in the body. But along with these basic medicines, doctors suggest some additional treatments. We have discussed all the treatments associated with Endocrine Therapy.
Medical Treatment
As mentioned, the medications are to block hormone therapy in the Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer Procedure. That’s why the medication used is mostly estrogen blockers.
The medicines included in the Endocrine course of drugs are listed below. The patient has to follow the doctor’s prescription regarding these medicines.
- Tamoxifen
- Aromatase Inhibitors
- Goserelin
- Fulvestrant
- Leuprorelin
Ayurvedic Treatment
All cancer treatments are highly adverse to the physical health of women. The body weakens, and the patient mostly feels ill or uncomfortable. Doctors suggest using Ayurvedic medicines to deal with these side effects of cancer treatments and therapies. Some of the Ayurvedic herb base medicines patients can use are:
- Panchakarma
- Shunthi
- Pippali
- Amalaki
Exercise Treatment
One similarity among all cancer patients is that they get tired and physically inactive during their cancer treatment. Even Endocrine Therapy makes the patient weak and increases their weight.
To be active during breast cancer treatment, doctors suggest patients do some light exercise daily. Exercising improves physical health and also helps with eth Endocrine Therapy.
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Water Exercises
Bottom Line
Getting the treatment for Breast Cancer is highly important. The earlier you start your Therapy or treatment, the more beneficial it is. After the surgery or chemotherapy you get, based on your doctor’s preference, Endocrine Treatment is highly beneficial.
We also recommend our readers contact their doctors at all times. And if you identify any of the Endocrine side effects, immediately report that to your doctor. And finally, be safe throughout your treatment and stick to your doctor’s prescription.