What role does hormone therapy play in breast cancer?
April 2, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Luisa Maier and I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am currently in a phase of uncertainty and have many questions about my further treatment. I have heard that hormone therapy can play an important role in the treatment of breast cancer, but I am not sure if this therapy is also suitable for me.
Background information: I am 45 years old, have no pre-existing conditions, and otherwise lead a healthy lifestyle. Currently, I am at a stage where the tumor can still be surgically removed, but my doctor has advised me to gather information about other treatment options.
I am concerned about whether hormone therapy is suitable for me and what possible side effects may be associated with it. I would like to learn more about how hormone therapy works in breast cancer, how long it lasts, and if there are alternative treatment options.
My question to you is: What role does hormone therapy play in breast cancer and would this therapy be a suitable option for me? Are there risks or side effects that I should be aware of? Are there alternative treatment options that I should consider?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Luisa Maier
Dear Mrs. Maier,
I would like to first express my sincere condolences that you are faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is understandable that in this phase of uncertainty you have many questions and wish to inform yourself about the different treatment options. Therefore, I would like to inform you in detail about the role of hormone therapy in breast cancer and your potential suitability for this treatment option.
Hormone therapy plays an important role in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 70% of breast cancer diagnoses. In hormone-dependent breast cancer, tumor cells are sensitive to certain hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy aims to inhibit the growth of these tumor cells by either blocking the production of hormones in the body or blocking the receptors on the tumor cells.
In your case, since you are 45 years old and otherwise lead a healthy lifestyle, it is possible that your type of breast cancer is hormone-dependent. In such cases, hormone therapy may be a suitable option for you. It is important to discuss with your treating physician whether your type of breast cancer is hormone-dependent and whether hormone therapy is an option for you.
Regarding possible side effects of hormone therapy, these can vary depending on the type of medication used. The most common side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and joint pain. Your doctor will inform you about the possible side effects and together with you will weigh whether the potential benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks.
There are also alternative treatment options for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy with targeted medications. It is important that you, together with your treating physician, select the most suitable treatment option for you, tailored to your individual situation.
I hope that I was able to assist you with this information and I am available for any further questions. Please do not hesitate to discuss all your concerns and questions with your treating physician in order to find the best possible treatment for you.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlosser
