# Breast Cancer Treatment Options | Breast Cancer Charity > Source: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-treatment/ > Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted drugs — what each does and how the multidisciplinary team decides. Plans are individual. ## What surgery is used for breast cancer? Surgery is usually the first treatment for early breast cancer. The main options are lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery, removing the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue) and [mastectomy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-surgery/) (removal of the whole breast). Both are followed by [radiotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-radiotherapy/) in most cases. The choice depends on tumour size relative to breast size, location, and personal preference. [Breast reconstruction](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-reconstruction-options/) can be offered at the same time as or after mastectomy. ## How is radiotherapy used for breast cancer? High-energy X-rays used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Typically given over 3–5 weeks (or, increasingly, in a shorter course of 1–3 weeks). It significantly reduces the risk of the cancer coming back in the breast. ## How is chemotherapy used for breast cancer? Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body. Used when there is a risk that cancer cells may have spread, when the tumour is large (to shrink it before surgery), or when the cancer is high-grade or has specific features (e.g. triple-negative). Given as cycles of treatment, usually over 3–6 months, with recovery time between cycles. ## What is hormone therapy for breast cancer? Used for hormone receptor-positive (ER+ or PR+) breast cancers, which account for around 70–80% of all cases. These cancers are fuelled by oestrogen. Hormone therapy blocks this. The most common drugs are tamoxifen (suitable pre- and post-menopause) and [aromatase inhibitors](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/hormone-therapy-side-effects/) such as letrozole (post-menopause only). Typically taken for 5–10 years after surgery. ## What targeted therapies are used for breast cancer? Drugs designed to target specific characteristics of cancer cells. The most widely used is trastuzumab (Herceptin) for [HER2-positive breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/her2-positive-breast-cancer/). Other targeted drugs include pertuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), [CDK4/6](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/cdk46-inhibitors-breast-cancer/) inhibitors (e.g. palbociclib), and PARP inhibitors (e.g. olaparib) for BRCA-associated cancers. ## How is immunotherapy used for breast cancer? Drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is now used alongside chemotherapy for early-stage, high-risk [triple-negative breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/triple-negative-breast-cancer/). [Immunotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/immunotherapy-for-breast-cancer/) is a rapidly expanding field in breast cancer treatment. ## What is a breast cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT)? All treatment decisions at NHS hospitals are made by a multidisciplinary team — typically including a breast surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, [breast care nurse](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) and other specialists. The MDT considers your full situation: tumour type, grade, stage, receptor status, your general health, and your personal preferences. ## Frequently asked questions What surgery is used for breast cancer? Surgery is usually the first treatment for early breast cancer. The main options are lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery, removing the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue) and mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). Both are followed by radiotherapy in most cases. The choice depends on tumour size relative to breast size, location, and personal preference. Breast reconstruction can be offered at the same time as or after mastectomy. How is radiotherapy used for breast cancer? High-energy X-rays used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Typically given over 3–5 weeks (or, increasingly, in a shorter course of 1–3 weeks). It significantly reduces the risk of the cancer coming back in the breast. How is chemotherapy used for breast cancer? Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body. Used when there is a risk that cancer cells may have spread, when the tumour is large (to shrink it before surgery), or when the cancer is high-grade or has specific features (e.g. triple-negative). Given as cycles of treatment, usually over 3–6 months, with recovery time between cycles. What is hormone therapy for breast cancer? Used for hormone receptor-positive (ER+ or PR+) breast cancers, which account for around 70–80% of all cases. These cancers are fuelled by oestrogen. Hormone therapy blocks this. The most common drugs are tamoxifen (suitable pre- and post-menopause) and aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole (post-menopause only). Typically taken for 5–10 years after surgery. What targeted therapies are used for breast cancer? Drugs designed to target specific characteristics of cancer cells. The most widely used is trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer. Other targeted drugs include pertuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), CDK4/6 inhibitors (e.g. palbociclib), and PARP inhibitors (e.g. olaparib) for BRCA-associated cancers. How is immunotherapy used for breast cancer? Drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is now used alongside chemotherapy for early-stage, high-risk triple-negative breast cancer. Immunotherapy is a rapidly expanding field in breast cancer treatment. What is a breast cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT)? All treatment decisions at NHS hospitals are made by a multidisciplinary team — typically including a breast surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, breast care nurse and other specialists. The MDT considers your full situation: tumour type, grade, stage, receptor status, your general health, and your personal preferences. Is breast cancer curable if caught early? Yes. The NHS five-year survival rate for Stage 1 breast cancer is approximately 98%, and for Stage 2 around 90%. When caught early, treatment is more effective, less extensive and more likely to result in long-term cure. This is why NHS screening and acting promptly on any new symptom are so important. What is the first treatment for breast cancer? For most people, surgery is the first treatment — either a lumpectomy (removing the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removing the whole breast). The choice depends on tumour size, location, type and patient preference. Surgery is usually followed by radiotherapy and drug treatments (hormone therapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy) to reduce the risk of recurrence. What is the most effective breast cancer treatment? Most people have a combination of treatments decided by a multidisciplinary team. For hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (around 70–80% of cases), surgery combined with radiotherapy and 5–10 years of hormone therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) is highly effective. For HER2-positive cancer, trastuzumab (Herceptin) alongside chemotherapy has transformed outcomes. Clinical sources - [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk) - [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int) This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Desk-assessed against NHS and WHO guidance — [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). --- Breast Cancer Charity — an initiative of World Aid Network. Donate: https://breastcancer-charity.org/donate/