Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Chemotherapy can also be used in combination with hormonal therapies.
Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because it works on the whole body to control cancer. Systemic treatments aim to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread into areas outside the breast area and armpit area, but are not detectable.
A medical oncologist specialises in treating cancers with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. He or she will explain which chemotherapy drugs are recommended for an individuals situation and their side effects, how long they may need to take chemotherapy drugs and where they can have chemotherapy.
If the woman lives in a rural area she may decide to travel to the city for treatment that is managed by a medical oncologist. Alternatively, where there is not a medical oncologist available, her local general practitioner or surgeon may manage and make any changes to her treatment by regularly discussing her situation with specialists in the area.
Click here for further information on chemotherapy and hormonal therapy and the Clinical practice guidelines for the management of early breast cancer.