Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women globally, and the role of early detection cannot be overstated. The journey from diagnosis to treatment is deeply personal, and understanding the importance of timely screenings, recognizing potential warning signs, and receiving tailored treatment plans can significantly impact outcomes.
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Hayley Knollman, a specialist in advanced breast cancer treatments to discuss the importance of early detection, personalized care, ongoing treatment, and tips for those navigating the complexities of breast cancer.
Early Detection: Why It Matters
Mammograms are crucial for identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. When screenings are postponed, the cancer can grow and spread, potentially making treatment more aggressive and less effective.
“Typically, mammograms catch cancers when they’re smaller. By the time a woman feels a lump, these cancers tend to be larger or locally advanced, sometimes involving lymph nodes. Locally advanced breast cancers often require more aggressive treatments,” Dr. Knollman shares.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to Each Patient
Breast cancer treatment varies widely depending on several factors, including the cancer’s type, stage, and the patient’s overall health. No two breast cancer cases are exactly alike, and your treatment should be tailored to you.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and medications like chemotherapy or hormone therapies. Doctors assess factors like the tumor’s size, location, and whether it is hormone-sensitive (such as estrogen receptor-positive or HER2-positive) to determine the best course of action.
- Customized Care Based on Health and Cancer Type: Factors such as your age, existing medical conditions, and whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) are also crucial in shaping a treatment plan. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective therapy tailored to your unique needs.
“These factors impact the treatment plan. I always remind patients that they can’t compare themselves to others, as even small differences can significantly change their treatment plan,” Dr. Knollman adds.
Recognizing the Signs: When Breast Cancer Spreads
Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Understanding the symptoms of metastasis is critical for early intervention.
Symptoms like persistent bone pain, unexplained weight loss, headaches, or changes in cognitive function can signal that breast cancer has spread beyond the breast.
“Symptoms of spread can be nonspecific, like unexplained bone pain (such as back, hip, or rib pain), unintentional weight loss, or headaches. I always remind women that these symptoms are nonspecific, so they shouldn’t worry that every ache means their cancer has spread, but they should pay attention if something feels different, especially if it’s disrupting sleep or daily activities,” Dr. Knollman advises.
Advances in Treatment: The Role of Immunotherapy
For advanced breast cancer, especially for more aggressive types like triple-negative breast cancer, treatments such as immunotherapy are changing the landscape of care.
- Immunotherapy: Unlike chemotherapy, which directly targets cancer cells, immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to attack cancer. For certain patients with aggressive breast cancer, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has been shown to significantly shrink tumors and improve survival rates.
- Clinical Trials and New Treatments: Patients like Linda, a triple-negative breast cancer patient, have seen promising results with newer therapies available through clinical trials. These advancements are giving hope to those with previously limited treatment options.
“I met Linda after her cancer had spread to her brain and lungs, meaning it was stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer isn’t curable but is treatable. When cancer spreads outside the breast and lymph nodes, we treat it with systemic therapy, like chemotherapy or medications, to give patients the best quality of life for as long as possible,” Dr. Knollman shares. “Linda has triple-negative breast cancer, meaning her cancer doesn’t express estrogen receptors or HER2 proteins. For her, immunotherapy was a recent advancement. Immunotherapy teaches the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer. Linda was placed on a trial with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and she had an early, robust response. Her scans showed her cancer shrinking quickly, and she tolerated the treatment well.”
Post-Treatment Care
After treatment, you will enter a critical phase called surveillance, where you’ll be monitored for any signs of recurrence and focus on maintaining your health.
Those with metastatic disease continue to receive treatments aimed at managing the cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake are also key lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. Remember to prioritize your well-being by staying physically active.
“My biggest advice is to focus on improving mental and emotional health after treatment. Set both short- and long-term goals—whether it’s a coffee date with a friend or a special trip—something to look forward to. Also, counseling, support groups, and regular exercise can help keep the mind, body, and spirit in balance,” Dr. Knollman advises.
The Role of Family and Support Systems
A strong support network also plays a crucial role in both the emotional and physical aspects of cancer treatment. Family members and friends can help you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude, which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes.
“Family support is invaluable. From day one, a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having family or friends there makes a huge difference. Linda has never come to a clinic appointment alone, and she’s always laughing with her family when I walk in. Her daughters have been amazing supports—they even treated her to a trip to the Bahamas recently. I think Linda has done so well because her family has been there for her every step of the way,” Dr. Knollman notes.
Mental Health: Addressing the Emotional Toll
Survivors and patients undergoing treatment often face anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence. Addressing these mental health concerns is just as important as physical care.
“Mental and emotional health is often half the battle in breast cancer survivorship. It’s important for patients to address emotional struggles with their doctors. Counseling, support groups, and wellness practices like acupuncture, Reiki, or exercise can help. We partner with organizations like Unite for HER, which offers free wellness services, support groups, nutrition classes, and more for breast cancer patients. I refer patients there often because they provide so much support,” Dr. Knollman notes.
Final Thoughts for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
Breast cancer is a complex and personal journey, but early detection, personalized treatment, and ongoing support can make a significant difference in outcomes. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or a survivor, understanding your treatment options, staying vigilant about your health, and surrounding yourself with a support network are essential steps in managing and overcoming breast cancer.
If you or a loved one is navigating this journey, remember that support is available, both in the form of medical care and emotional resources. Reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need.
