Treatments commonly used today for women with breast cancer. include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Methods of treatment for breast cancer are local or systemic. Local treatments are used to remove, destroy, or control the cancer cells in a specific area. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells anywhere in the body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are systemic treatments. A patient may have just one form of treatment or a combination. Different forms of treatment may be given at the same time or one after another. These forms of treatment are described in more detail throughout our web site. If you have further questions, please ask your physician about what therapy is appropriate for your care.