Every year, breast cancer kills about 500 000 women, with one out of eight diagnosed every year.

The most common treatments to breast cancer often includes surgery. This includes mastectomy, a procedure where all breast tissue is removed from the affected breast. Mastectomies remove the cancer cells and prevent it from metastasizing.

Along with mastectomies, other more common treatments include lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
The two procedures often come hand in hand. A lumpectomy is a procedure where only the infected breast tissue is removed along with the surrounding tissue. This allows a patient to retain her breasts. Following the surgery, the patient undergoes radiotherapy, where rays are used to destroy adjacent cancer cells that may be near the tumor site.

Radiotherapy is also sometimes recommended after a mastectomy. Other ways of treating breast cancer includes common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Apart from radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other medical treatments, it is important for patients to know how to treat breast cancerto prevent it from returning. This involves promoting an overall healthy lifestyle.

  1. Control your weight

The risk of cancer increases when you are overweight or obese. So watch your diet and exercise regularly to keep your weight within a healthy range.

  1. Consume foods that boost the immune system

Soy, kale, sweet potatoes and salmon are easily found foods that can help in preventing recurrent breast cancer.

  1. Quit smoking

Like in the treatment of all diseases, quitting smoking is a key step for smokers who are looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

References

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-general-info

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/commentaries/breast-cancer-awareness/en/

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment

http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/treatment-options

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/18/health/food-breast-cancer-survivors/