TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Surgical oncologist from RSUP Fatmawati Jakarta, Dr. M. Yadi Permana SpB (Onk) explains the three main elements that differs cancer stages, which according to him is based on its spread, represented by T, N, and M.

“T is for tumor. What is its description? How large is it? Has it touched the skin surface or not, and has it spread to muscle tissue,” he said.

The next element is N for node, which is a condition where a cancer cell has spread to the lymph gland located in the armpit, under and above the collarbone. Meanwhile, M refers to the metastasis, which is the moment how far the cancer cells have spread.

Sufferers of luminal A and luminal B breast cancer would need operation and hormone therapy to control the body’s estrogen level, since prolonged exposure to estrogen can spark the emergence of breast cancer. Situations such as the use of contraception devices – that effects hormons – for more than eight years.

“The hormone therapy is based on the patient’s age. If they have underwent menopause, they would only need medications and an injection,” said Dr. Yadi Permana. The doctor urged breast cancer sufferers to talk and discuss with their doctors upon undergoing the best cure possible.

TABLOIDBINTANG