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be reduced in size before surgery. Radiation therapy can be used in this instance to shrink tumors to aid surgeons in successful removal without the destruction of nearby tissue. This treatment plan is called neoadjuvant therapy.

Radiation therapy has become an integral part of breast cancer treatment for women with the presence of any cancer cells in the lymph nodes. Standard procedure now dictates that any positive nodes require the use of radiation therapy to reduce the chances of recurrence. Radiation is typically given once a day for a series of weeks. Many women receive a typical amount of 30 or more treatments of targeted radiation therapy.

New Developments

Breast cancer treatment changes continually as new studies and drugs present more options for doctors. Let's begin with digital mammography. Digital mammography allows doctors to see a clearer picture of the breast when compared with older mammogram machines. The difference is literally the comparison between a fuzzy picture and a clear snapshot. This has greatly aided doctors in evaluating the needs of patients at risk for breast cancer.

Clinical trials occur continually and some of the largest hospitals and research foundations conduct these studies with the help of thousands of breast cancer patients. Clinical trials provide alternative treatments for women who want to help others as well as seek aggressive treatment for themselves. These trials also provide the testing ground for potential new cancer therapies. Ask your doctor about participation in any clinical trials that might be appropriate for you.

Oral anti-cancer drugs are also used to prevent future incidences of cancer. Doctors dispense these drugs to treat pre-cancerous incidences of breast cancer. In addition, they also use anti-cancer drugs as an integral part in treatment of some breast cancers after chemotherapy and radiation are complete.

Researchers are also developing new diagnostic tools to help evaluate whether a particular drug will be effective against a woman's type of breast cancer. Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in Canada have discovered a technology to analyze the presence of proteins in cells. This research may help doctors evaluate the best course of treatment and its effectiveness for future breast cancer patients.

Learn more about this author, S. F. Heron.
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