How Long Cancer Treatment Usually Takes

Treatment of breast cancer consists of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. All three aim to reduce or destroy cancer cells in the body. So, how long breast cancer treatment lasts? Are you still able to move as usual despite being treated?

How Long Cancer Treatment Usually Takes

Long treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of therapy

Actually, there is no definite benchmark of how long the duration of treatment of breast cancer from beginning to end. The duration of treatment will depend on the type of treatment, the condition of the body, and the stage of cancer of each patient. The sooner the cancer is diagnosed, the cure rate will be faster and better if treated.

1. Operation

Each operation has a different duration and recovery time. Here is the time required for each surgical procedure in the treatment of breast cancer:

• Lumpectomy is a medical action that only aims to lift the gland around the breast. Usually this operation is not too large, so in many cases, the patient can go home in the same day. Recovery takes 7-14 days.
• Mastectomy is surgical removal of the breast. Of course, this medical action is greater than a lumpectomy, so you will be required to remain in hospital one or two days after surgery. The required recovery time is also longer, which is about 1-3 weeks.
• Breast reconstruction, which is a medical action performed to repair or reshape the breast after appointment. This operation has a longer recovery time range, depending on the condition of each patient

2. Chemotherapy

Low-dose chemotherapy usually takes about 12 weeks of treatment. Each cycle of chemotherapy will be given every 1-2 weeks. So, if you are scheduled to undergo 4 cycles of chemotherapy, then the time required is 3 months - this is the fastest time estimate.

This does not include the additional time you need if your health condition is down, so it takes more time for recovery. Again, breast cancer treatment is highly dependent on the health condition and the development of cancer that you have.

3. Radiation

The length of time the treatment of breast cancer through radiotherapy depends on how much therapy session you get. In some cases of breast cancer, radiation therapy as much as 33 times will usually be done for 5 days in a row and continues until the next week.

To find out the schedule and how much radiation therapy you get, it's best to check with your treating doctor.

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So, how long is the total time needed in the treatment of breast cancer?

The earlier the cancer cells are found in the early stages, the longer the treatment time will be faster. Conversely, the more severe the cancer conditions it has, the more and more also a series of treatments to be performed.

The average treatment of cancer takes years until the patient is declared completely cured. So if you start treatment, prepare yourself for a long treatment and recovery time. If you are in doubt, consult and ask all matters relating to your cancer treatment with your doctor.

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