What recommendations do oncologists have for a stage 1 breast cancer patient?

D/w your oncologist : Stage 1 in general is treated with surgery and radation therapy if lumpectomy is chosen. In addition, anti hormonal therapy is recommended for er+ cancer. Chemo +/- biological therapy i.e. Anti her2neu inhibitor - is given for some cases of stage i breast cancer- depending on the size, prognostic factors, oncotype dx, her2neu receptor status, age, preference, ps, etc. D/w oncologist in detail.

Complex: Surgery definitely (lumpectomy with radiation or mastectomy - depending on size, pt preference, etc.) decisions for chemo and/or hormonal therapy are complex and require much thought. Size of tumor and estrogen receptor and her-2 status are important as are the patien'ts age and overall health and her wishes. Oncotype-dx helps predict risk of relapse which helps decision making.

Very good prognosis : Stage one breast cancer has a very good prognosis if treated appropriately the usual treatment includes surgery and radiation and hormonal treatment with tablets that block estrogens.

Nccn and cancer.gov: General recommendations for stage i breast cancer involve surgery mastectomy + sentinel node biopsy or lumpectomy + sentinel node biopsy + radiation (whole breast + boost vs partial breast). Age may play factor in decision regarding radiation. +- adjuvant endocrine +- adjuvant chemotherapy. Nccn.Org and cancer.Gov are good websites.

It depends: Surgery is the first step. Either lumpectomy or mastectomy depending on several factors. Radiation is used mostly after lumpectomy in stage 1 patients. Chemo hormone blockers, both or additionally Herceptin (trastuzumab) can be used depending on the pathology results. It sounds complicated but will be explained by your physician in detail.