Breast Cancer Treatment Options
ANSWER
For Mrs. Williams’ diagnosis of breast cancer, there are numerous therapy choices. These consist of operations, chemo, radiation, and hormone therapy. Before choosing a course of action, Mrs. Williams should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each of these treatments. If the tumor is small enough, surgery may be able to remove it, but there is always a chance that the cancer will return or spread. Other treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. Surgery may be able to remove the tumor, but there is always a chance that the cancer will return or spread. Chemotherapy may lessen the risk of recurrence, but it can be costly and have side effects.
It would be crucial to go over the potential repercussions with Mrs. Williams in the event that she chose to refuse treatment. She should be advised that, while it is ultimately up to her whether or not to receive treatment, the cancer may spread and worsen her health if she does not. She should also be aware that making some lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol use, and lowering her stress levels, may help lower her chance of recurrence or metastasis.
Mrs. Williams must obtain genetic counseling if she wants to start her breast cancer treatment before starting a family. If she possesses a mutation linked to breast cancer that could be passed on to future generations, genetic testing can show whether or not she does.
QUESTION
Mrs. Williams is a 27-year-old female diagnosed with breast cancer. She is currently in pharmacy school. She does not have children, but hopes to have them someday. She has been tested and has a genetic predisposition for this disease.
- What treatment options does she have?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of those treatment options?
- What would you tell Mrs. Williams if she decided to refuse treatment?
- Mrs. Williams really wants to have children before she starts treatment. What would you educate her about? Why?
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