Targeted therapies and modern technology make breast cancer care manageable, reveals oncologist

Breast cancer care is evolving not only in terms of survival rates but also in making the patient experience more humane (Image: Pexels)

A breast cancer diagnosis is never easy. Beyond the fear and uncertainty, patients often face gruelling schedules, long hospital visits, and the emotional strain of treatment. However, today, advances in therapy are helping patients regain some control over their lives. It now spans a broad spectrum, from surgery and radiation to systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted medicines, and immunotherapy.

While chemotherapy can affect both healthy and cancerous cells, newer treatments aim to focus on the tumour itself. Dr Meenu Walia, the first DNB-qualified Medical Oncologist in India and Vice Chairman of Medical Oncology, Max Vaishali and Noida, tells Moneycontrol: “Traditional chemotherapy attacks many fast-growing cells, both healthy and cancerous. Targeted therapies, on the other hand, focus more precisely on the cancer itself, which can help reduce side effects.”

For many patients, however, the practical aspects of treatment are just as challenging as the medical ones. Hours spent in hospital chairs, waiting for infusions, can take a significant toll. “I’ve seen countless women lose whole days to treatment. For those living outside big cities, travel alone can be exhausting. Missed appointments often happen not because patients don’t want to fight, but simply because life gets in the way,” says Dr Walia.

Also read | One in 28 Indian women at risk of breast cancer: Oncologist shares small lifestyle changes to lower risk

Medical advancements in cancer treatment

Dr Walia shares how modern treatment approaches are helping patients reclaim precious hours in their daily lives:

• Subcutaneous therapies now allow some medications to be administered as injections rather than long infusions, reducing time in hospital.
• This shorter administration can decrease fatigue and stress for patients while helping them maintain daily routines.
• Tailoring treatment schedules to patient needs can improve adherence, making it more likely patients complete therapy on time.
• Shorter treatments may also ease the burden on caregivers and reduce travel difficulties for women in smaller towns.
• Modern approaches aim to combine medical efficacy with better quality of life, ensuring patients spend more time on personal and family priorities.

Breast cancer care is evolving not only in terms of survival rates but also in making the patient experience more humane. From targeted therapies to innovative administration methods, the modern approach recognises that time is precious. “Every hour spent with family, at work, or simply resting, is just as important as the time spent in the clinic. Modern treatment should help patients live, not just survive,” notes Dr Walia.

FAQs on Breast Cancer Treatment Tips

1. What are the main treatment options for breast cancer?

Breast cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted medicines, and immunotherapy. These therapies aim to eliminate cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.

2. How does chemotherapy affect healthy cells?

Traditional chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, both healthy and cancerous, leading to side effects. Newer targeted therapies focus more precisely on the tumour, reducing damage to healthy cells.

3. What advances are helping reduce hospital visit times?

Subcutaneous therapies now allow medications to be given as injections rather than lengthy infusions, reducing hospital visit times and helping patients maintain daily routines.

4. How do shorter treatment schedules benefit patients?

Tailoring treatment schedules to patient needs improves adherence and reduces fatigue. Shorter treatments ease the burden on caregivers and minimize travel difficulties, especially for those in smaller towns.

5. Why is the patient experience important in breast cancer treatment?

Modern treatment approaches prioritize quality of life, ensuring patients spend more time on personal and family priorities. Effective treatments should help patients live well, not just survive.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.