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Pink Ribbon Walk 2026
Join us on 24 October at Punggol Digital District for Pink Ribbon Walk 2026. Take part in the physical walk, enjoy our roadshow, or show your support through the Virtual Walk.
Join us on 24 October at Punggol Digital District for Pink Ribbon Walk 2026. Take part in the physical walk, enjoy our roadshow, or show your support through the Virtual Walk.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and type of cancer, individual patient characteristics and overall health. Each treatment plan is tailored to address the specific needs of the patient, ensuring the most effective approach for their cancer situation.
Here’s a brief overview of common breast cancer treatments and their side effects:
Surgery involves removing the cancerous lump or tumour, along with surrounding tissue. The aim is to remove as much of cancerous tissue as possible to improve chances of curing the cancer or reducing its size before other treatments.
Common surgery procedures:
1. Lumpectomy (removal of the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue)
2. Mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts).
3. Reconstruction (rebuilding the breast after removal)
Side Effects:
Preparation for Surgery:
This includes pre-operative assessments, consultations with your doctor or specialist, and following specific instructions on diet, medications, preferences, allergies, and daily routines.
Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to destroy or slow cancer cell growth.
It treats breast cancer that has spread or shrink tumours before surgery by targeting cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy is used at various stages: after surgery to remove remaining cells, before surgery to shrink tumours, or for metastatic breast cancer to control the disease and relieve symptoms.
Side Effects:
Preparing for Chemotherapy:
Consult with your oncologist to understand the details, side effects, and their role in your treatment plan. Complete any required pre-treatment tests and arrange transportation and support, as treatment days can be lengthy and side effects may require assistance.
Commonly employed after surgery, radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target, kill cancer cells, and shrink or control tumor growth. The goal is to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. In some cases, it treats metastatic breast cancer in specific areas, such as the bones or brain.
Radiotherapy is used typically following lumpectomy but may also be applied after mastectomy if there’s a high risk of cancer returning or if it has spread to lymph nodes.
Side Effects:
Preparing for Radiotherapy:
Attend a simulation appointment to position your body accurately for radiation targeting. Discuss potential side effects and management strategies, including skin care and sun protection. Plan for daily treatment sessions over several weeks and arrange time off from work as needed.
In Hormone therapy, medications are used to block or lower natural hormones to prevent hormone-sensitive cancer cells from growing. This therapy targets hormone receptor-positive breast cancers by addressing tumors that respond to hormones like estrogen or progesterone.
Typically administered after surgery, this therapy aims to reduce the risk of recurrence and manage metastatic breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive.
Side Effects:
Preparing for Hormone Therapy:
Discuss medications with your doctor, including side effects and any interactions with other treatments. Adjust your lifestyle, such as eating healthy and exercising regularly to help manage side effects and support your overall well-being.
Making mental preparations is just as important as physical readiness. Knowing the potential outcomes of treatment and surgery can help you:
Patients may find a weekly schedule planner useful for organizing and managing appointments, medications, scans, therapy, and side effects. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Balancing personal, household and work commitments while undergoing breast cancer treatment can be challenging. Managing and staying on top of medical appointments, daily responsibilities, and job requirements add significant stress to an already challenging time.
Here are a couple of ways on how to effectively handle these demands:
For example, clearly communicate the support you require, such as the flexibility to attend medical follow-up appointments.
Applying these tips effectively can help you manage daily life during treatment, reducing stress and creating a supportive environment, so that you can focus on your recovery.
Remember, you don’t have to fight your condition alone. Surround yourself with positive energy by being around encouraging people.
Lean on your friends and family for companionship, and immerse yourself in a community that understands your journey.
You can chat with a counsellor to relieve stress and pick up good advice. Or you can join our BCF community and stay active with our support programmes that will see you through rain or shine.
Connect with others on the same journey. Access support tailored to your treatment when you sign up for BCF Membership. Join our community today!
Disclaimer
All the information provided on this website is correct at the time of edition and subject to revision without prior notice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material provided here is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be used as substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions related to your health or medical conditions.
