Space 01 · Understand

Treatments

Chapter 08 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 08 · Treatments
THE QUESTION

How is breast cancer treated?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

A tailored treatment

Treatment depends on the type, the stage, age and general health. It is often decided by a team of several specialists.

Source: NCI, 2026

2 / 8

Surgery

Either the tumour alone is removed () or the whole breast (). One or more from the armpit are also analysed.

Source: NCI, 2026

3 / 8

Radiotherapy

Radiation destroys the remaining cancer cells. Sessions are short and painless, several days a week.

Source: NCI, 2026

4 / 8

Chemotherapy

Medicines destroy cells that divide quickly. It can be given before surgery (to shrink the tumour) or after.

Source: NCI, 2026

5 / 8

Hormone therapy

For cancers: tablets block the effect of hormones, often for 5 to 10 years.

Source: NCI, 2026

6 / 8

Targeted therapies

For -positive cancers: medicines target the HER2 protein.

Source: NCI, 2026

7 / 8

Immunotherapy

For some cancers, especially ones: it helps the immune system attack the cancer.

Source: NCI, 2026

8 / 8

In Mauritania

The CNO in Nouakchott provides , and , free of charge for people in need.

Source: Springer, Cancer in the Arab World, 2022

DID YOU KNOW?

“Miracle” plants and remedies have never been shown to cure cancer. Used instead of treatment, they waste precious time.

Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Removing the whole breast is always necessary.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Chemotherapy can be given before surgery.”

KEY POINTS
  • Surgery, , , , targeted therapies.
  • Each treatment is adapted to the person.
  • Completing the treatment is essential.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Living with treatment side effects →
Sources: NCI, 2026 · Springer, Cancer in the Arab World, 2022 · National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08In progressTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.