By Donna Ross
Associate Professor, Public Health, and Practicum Coordinator, School of Health Sciences
Breast cancer has been a long-standing disease that affects almost one in eight U.S. families, and roughly 15% of those families have some history of breast cancer.
However, this type of cancer isn’t limited to just women. Although rare, it’s also possible for men to get breast cancer.
New Breast Cancer Therapies Have Been Developed
In the past, breast cancer has been treated in several ways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Biological therapy
- Radiation therapy
Treatment specifics typically depend on various factors, such as:
However, emerging treatments for breast cancer are showing great promise, particularly with advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Some of these new therapies include drugs like Tukysa® (tucatinib) and Enhertu® (trastuzumab deruxtecan), which have been developed to specifically target cancer cells without harming healthy cells in a patient’s body. With their precision in attacking cancer cells, these innovative treatments can reduce damage to healthy tissues and improve patient outcomes.
Breast Cancer Patients Vary Widely, So Treatments Should Be Customized
Breast cancer patients come in a variety of ages, fitness levels and ethnicities. As a result, breast cancer treatments need to be personalized to each patient.
For instance, some hormone therapies are designed to attack cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) or cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) proteins to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. One form of hormonal therapy is to use CDK4/6 inhibitors, the medicines that can be used with cancers involving the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. When combined with other therapies, these hormone therapies can make breast cancer treatments more effective.
Regular Checks Should Be Performed
Breast cancer wreaks a tremendous emotional and physical toll, not only on patients but on their families.
For greater peace of mind – especially if breast cancer runs in your family – it is essential to conduct monthly self-examinations and get a mammogram annually. These checkups may help detect the early onset of cancer.
Men with a known family history of cancer should also conduct self- or clinical examinations. Additional testing options can be made available per case as needed.
Although my family does not have a history of breast cancer, I participate in annual mammogram screenings out of caution and as a personal choice. It’s a nerve-wracking visit for many people, due to the fear of that cancer may have developed in their bodies.
But new therapies are constantly in development to treat breast cancer if it does occur. These new therapies, especially the ones that attack cancer genetically, could combat cancer and provide greater longevity or a better quality of life for patients.
Tukysa is a registered trademark of Seagan, Inc.
Enhertu is a registered trademark of Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Ross is an associate professor for the University’s School of Health Sciences, teaching public health courses. She holds a doctorate degree in public health from Walden University.
