According to medical data, African American women are not only more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but the disease is most likely to be caught at an advanced stage. So, what should you know about hormonal therapy treatment?
When it comes to late-stage breast cancer, there are different types of treatments that doctors can employ based on the defining characteristics of the breast cancer that you have.
It is important to know what to expect with hormonal therapy, which is one such treatment option if you’re going to undertake this program.
What Exactly Is Hormonal Therapy?
Hormonal therapy is a form of specialized treatment for breast cancer that is caused or worsened by the naturally occurring hormones in the body.
Before prescribing this type of treatment, your doctor will need to carry out hormone-based tests on a sample of your tumor.
If hormones are present, your breast cancer will be categorized as either estrogen receptor positive (ER positive) or progesterone receptor positive (PR positive).
With this information, your doctor can then determine which drugs will work best for you.
These drugs will reduce the size of the tumor, prevent the spread of the tumor to other parts of the body, prevent the growth of tumors that have already spread, or prevent the recurrence of the disease for persons who have already undergone treatment.
In some cases, hormonal therapy is only a part of the treatment you’ll receive.
Depending on the state of your breast cancer, you may undergo targeted therapy that attacks specific weaknesses in the tumors. Surgery may also be necessary to remove the tumors.
Will There Be Side Effects Of The Treatment?
The drugs used in hormonal therapy can come with a variety of side effects. These side effects are typically associated with the class of drug that you’re being prescribed.
The details are best discussed with your doctor but these are some of the issues you can expect.
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Disruption of the menstrual cycle
- Increased risk of blood clots, especially in the lungs and legs
- Stroke
- Cataracts
- Endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma
- Bone loss
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Loss of libido
- Ovarian suppression
- Increased risk of heart attack, angina, and heart failure
More Side Effects Include…
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breathing problems, including painful breathing, shortness of breath, and cough
- Loss of appetite
How To Take Care Of Yourself During Treatment
As noted previously, the side effects of hormonal treatment vary depending on which drugs are used as well as if they are used in combination with any other medications or procedures.
The first step in taking care of yourself is making sure you discuss all side effects with your doctor.
Any changes in your body that do not match up with what you’re looking for should be reported immediately.
It’s also important to consult your doctor before taking any other medications. This precaution is because certain drugs can interfere with how well hormonal treatments work.
For example, antidepressants can affect the efficacy of the popular anti-estrogen drug, Tamoxifen.
Since many persons dealing with advanced breast cancer also live with depression, take the time to detail the medications you’re taking while meeting with a therapist.
Finally, maintaining your overall health will be key in getting through hormonal therapy. It’s best to change your diet to one that boosts your immune system and encourages a strong body.
Taking the Right Treatment
If you’re taking a treatment that can affect your bones, in particular, talk to your doctor about which foods or supplements might be best for you.
Given that treatment can also affect your ability to eat, being prepared for these changes will help. As an example, eating soft foods throughout the day is a great way to keep your strength up when you’re having a sore mouth.
Hormonal therapy is an effective treatment option for persons who are dealing with late-stage breast cancer that is being caused by certain hormones.
However, it has multiple side effects that can negatively impact your quality of life. It helps if you take care of yourself as best as possible and communicate well with your doctor.
You may also want to read: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: What Happens After the First Five Years?