With insights from Dr. Jon Atacador, Breast Surgeon
A breast cancer diagnosis is never easy — but today, patients have more treatment options, better technologies, and higher survival rates than ever before.
In this feature, Dr. Jon Atacador explains how breast cancer treatment has evolved in recent years, what options are available in the Philippines, and how care is now more personalized and precise than ever.
A New Era of Breast Cancer Care
“Gone are the days when mastectomy was the only option,” says Dr. Atacador. “Today, we tailor every treatment plan based on the cancer’s type, stage, and even genetic profile.”
Modern breast cancer treatment often combines surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation, guided by a multidisciplinary team that may include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and rehabilitation specialists.
1. Surgery: From Radical to Conservative
Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
Removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast. Often followed by radiation to reduce recurrence risk.
Mastectomy (Total or Modified Radical)
Involves removal of the entire breast, sometimes including nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the case, patients may opt for immediate reconstruction.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure identifies whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If the sentinel node is cancer-free, further lymph node removal may not be necessary, reducing complications like lymphedema.
“We now focus on precision and preservation,” Dr. Atacador explains. “The goal is to remove only what’s necessary — while keeping quality of life intact.”
2. Chemotherapy: More Targeted Than Ever
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone treatment, especially for aggressive or advanced breast cancers. But new drugs and protocols now allow for more precise targeting and fewer side effects.
Some patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) to shrink tumors, while others have adjuvant chemotherapy (after surgery) to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Common drug classes include:
- Anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin)
- Taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel)
- Platinum-based drugs (e.g., carboplatin)
Modern regimens often include supportive medications that help manage nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression — making treatment more tolerable than before.
3. Hormonal (Endocrine) Therapy
Used for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancers, these drugs block or lower estrogen, which fuels tumor growth.
Options include:
- Tamoxifen (blocks estrogen receptors)
- Aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane)
- Ovarian suppression (for premenopausal women)
These therapies are usually taken for 5–10 years and significantly reduce recurrence risk.
“For many women, hormonal therapy is life-saving and well-tolerated,” notes Dr. Atacador.
4. Radiation Therapy: Safer and More Precise
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Newer machines like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and 3D conformal radiotherapy deliver targeted doses, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
“Modern radiotherapy focuses on precision,” says Dr. Atacador. “We can now protect vital organs like the heart and lungs better than ever.”
5. Targeted Therapy: Hitting Cancer at Its Weak Spot
Targeted therapies zero in on specific molecules that fuel cancer growth — sparing most healthy cells.
Examples include:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) for HER2-positive cancers
- CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib) for HR+ cancers
- PARP inhibitors for cancers linked to BRCA mutations
These drugs have dramatically improved survival rates, especially when combined with standard treatments.
6. Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune System
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
It’s particularly promising in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) — a subtype previously hard to treat.
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are now approved in some advanced cases, and ongoing trials continue to expand their role in earlier stages.
7. Supportive & Rehabilitative Care
Modern breast cancer treatment doesn’t end with the last dose of chemo or radiation.
Patients benefit from holistic care including:
- Rehabilitation therapy for arm mobility and lymphedema prevention
- Nutrition and exercise guidance to rebuild strength
- Mental health support for anxiety, depression, or body image concerns
- Fertility counseling for younger women before treatment begins
“Healing is not just physical,” Dr. Atacador reminds. “Emotional and social recovery are just as important.”
Treatment Access in the Philippines
In the Philippines, most major hospitals now offer comprehensive breast cancer care — including breast-conserving surgery, advanced radiotherapy, and access to hormonal and targeted therapies.
The PhilHealth Z Benefit Package and select local foundations also help subsidize treatment costs for eligible patients.
However, access can still vary between urban and rural areas, making awareness and early diagnosis all the more critical.
Dr. Atacador’s Message to Patients
“Every woman’s cancer is unique,” he says.
“That’s why treatment must be individualized. Trust your medical team, ask questions, and never delay your care. Today, breast cancer is no longer a death sentence — it’s a challenge we can overcome.”
Do you feel like you need to get your breasts checked? Contact Dr. Jon Atacador through his Facebook page and schedule your consultation or check up today.
References
- American Cancer Society. Treatments for Breast Cancer by Stage.
- Mayo Clinic. Breast Cancer Treatments and Therapies.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Types of Cancer Treatment.
- Healthline. New Developments in Breast Cancer Treatment.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Targeted and Immunotherapies for Breast Cancer.
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Treatment.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Breast Cancer: Global and Regional Insights.
