How to Learn About Breast Cancer Treatment Options

When dealing with any disease, it's important to assume a reasonable level of control over your own recovery. Not only will this help you to feel more empowered, but your frame of mind may actually have a positive impact on you. When it comes to breast cancer, an illness characterized by malignant growths in the breasts, information on treatments can be easily accessed via the Internet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery and biological therapies, all of which are used to treat breast cancer. A good place to begin your research is the Breast Cancer Treatment page of the government-sponsored National Cancer Institute Web site, which outlines each option and explains how they are used during different stages of the disease (See "Resources" below).

2. Learn exactly what type of breast cancer you have. The treatment options available to you will depend on whether the cancer is still localized or whether it has spread. Your general state of health may preclude some of the more severe treatments.

3. Learn about complementary therapies through your hospital, local library or the American Cancer Society (see "Resources" below). Choosing between mainstream medicine and alternative approaches isn't necessary. Many cancer patients believe in creating their own approach to healing by doing what their physician recommends while augmenting these treatments with empowering therapies such as meditation.

4. Ask every question you can think of. Ask your doctors about treatment options, and ask your pain specialist to explain fully to you all of your pain management options. Ask if your insurance covers visits to a nutritionist, and ask how you can boost your immunity with diet.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor for pamphlets on the different breast cancer treatment options available to you. Some hospitals even have a health library that is accessible to patients and can be a great source of information.
• Check the Web site of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which offers a helpful document on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relates to employees suffering from cancer (see "Resources" below).
• Support breast cancer research by donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (see Resources below).
• Prepare yourself for the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis by connecting with your hospital's breast cancer support group. The American Cancer Society can also connect you to a group (see "Resources" below).

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