How to preserve my quality of life while BC treatment at 52?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 52-year-old and was just diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer after my mammogram showed a lump. Biopsy confirmed it is hormone receptor-positive. I am terrified and do not know what treatment to expect: surgery, chemo, or just hormone therapy?

My mother also had breast cancer at 60 years, so I am worried about genetic risks. Please tell me;

How do doctors decide the right treatment plan, and
Is there any way to preserve my quality of life during this?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am very sorry that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I understand how much fear and worry you are feeling. It is normal to think about many things at the same time, such as side effects, the treatment plan, and how your life may change.

First, I want to tell you that having a hormone-positive breast cancer is a good sign. This type of cancer usually responds very well to hormone therapy. In some cases, hormone treatment after surgery may be sufficient after surgery.

As your mother also had breast cancer, we need to do genetic testing for the breast cancer gene (BRCA) one and BRCA two genes. This test helps us understand whether you have an inherited family risk. The results help us decide if you may need specific targeted treatment and how long you should continue hormone treatment.

Next, we will do a test called Oncotype DX (gene expression test). This test looks at the genetic makeup of the tumor itself. It tells us how aggressive the cancer is and whether chemotherapy will be helpful for you.

Since your cancer is in an early stage, we usually recommend surgery to remove only the lump in the breast, along with checking nearby lymph nodes. After surgery, we give radiation treatment to the area where the tumor was removed. The need for radiation also depends on whether any lymph nodes are involved.

If your Oncotype DX score is low, then hormone treatment alone is enough, and you will not need chemotherapy. Hormone treatment has many fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy. If the score is high, then we recommend six cycles of chemotherapy as a safety measure.

After all active treatment is completed, you will continue hormone treatment for about five to ten years. The exact duration depends on your overall risk and the results of the BRCA gene test. If the test is positive, we usually continue hormone treatment for ten years.

The probable cause is hereditary.

Your treatment plan may include:

Surgery.
Radiotherapy.
Tamoxifen (selective estrogen receptor modulators).

Do follow-up after seven days.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.