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Washington Cancer Institute
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Cancers We Treat
- List of Cancers We Treat
- Center for Breast Health
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Last updated: 12-11-2012
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In This Section
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to:
- kill cancer cells
- slow the growth of cancer cells
The treatment can be given directly into the vein or by mouth.
How does it work?
Chemotherapy enters the bloodstream and travels to all parts of the body to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the breast. A combination of drugs is used to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
When is chemotherapy indicated?
Chemotherapy may be given after a lumpectomy or mastectomy to help reduce the chance of breast cancer recurrence. Your doctor may also recommend a course of chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Learn more about chemotherapy at Washington Cancer Institute.