Welcome to Twins4wellness! Today, we want to shed light on an essential aspect of breast cancer treatment – hormone therapy. For individuals diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, this targeted therapy has been a game-changer, offering new avenues for healing and hope. In this blog post we will discuss important information about hormone therapy for breast cancer. Join us as we explore the world of hormone therapy, its benefits, and its significance in the fight against breast cancer.
Navigating Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer: Empowering Healing and Hope
Understanding Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Before we delve into hormone therapy, let’s grasp the basics. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer accounts for a significant portion of breast cancer cases. This type of cancer is characterized by the presence of hormone receptors. Estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR) – on the surface of cancer cells.
When these hormone receptors are present, it means that the cancer cells can grow and multiply in response to the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. While a diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer may feel overwhelming, there is hope, thanks to hormone therapy. I was diagnosed with stage II hormone positive breast cancer in December 2022.
The Role of Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment
Hormone therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a systemic treatment that targets the hormones fueling the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Its primary aim is to block the effects of estrogen and/or progesterone on cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and reducing the risk of recurrence.
There are different types of hormone therapies available. Some common hormone therapy options include:
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Medications like Tamoxifen work by blocking estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen from binding to cancer cells.
Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs): AIs, such as Letrozole and Anastrozole, target the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women, reducing estrogen levels in the body. I have just started anastrozole (November 2023). I’ll update this post after I’ve been on the drug for a few months to let you know any other effects this drug has on me.
Fulvestrant: This medication works by binding to estrogen receptors and accelerating their degradation, thereby inhibiting estrogen signaling.
Ovarian Suppression or Ablation: In some cases, hormone therapy may involve suppressing ovarian function or surgically removing the ovaries to reduce estrogen production in premenopausal women. I am on a shot that suppresses my ovaries. I will get this shot every 3 months for the next 10 years because I am only 40 and premenopausal.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy has revolutionized breast cancer treatment and offers several benefits:
Improved Outcomes: Studies have shown that hormone therapy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. It also improves overall survival rates in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients.
The drug Anastrozole was approved in the UK for use in postmenopausal women with a family history or risk high factors for breast cancer. It has been shown to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by half.
Non-Invasive Treatment Option: Hormone therapy is administered orally or through injections. This makes it a non-invasive treatment option compared to chemotherapy or radiation.
Longer-Term Use: Hormone therapy can be prescribed for several years, providing ongoing protection against cancer recurrence.
Fewer Side Effects: Hormone therapy may have side effects. The side effects are usually milder and easier to deal with then chemotherapy side effects.
Personalized Treatment and Support
Every breast cancer journey is unique, and hormone therapy is no exception. Patients need to work closely with their oncologists to determine the most suitable hormone therapy based on their specific diagnosis, medical history, and individual needs.
In addition to medical support, emotional and psychological well-being plays a crucial role in the healing process. Support groups, counseling, and connecting with others who have undergone hormone therapy can provide invaluable encouragement and strength throughout the treatment journey.
Hormone therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. By precisely targeting the hormones that fuel cancer growth, this treatment offers hope, improved outcomes, and a pathway to a brighter, healthier future.
At Twins4wellness, we stand in solidarity with those on their breast cancer journey. We believe in the strength of knowledge, compassion, and shared experiences. If you or someone you know is facing hormone therapy, know that you are not alone, and healing is possible. Wishing you strength, resilience, and continued wellness on your path to recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on breast cancer treatment and hormone therapy.
