Chemotherapy primarily involves the use of drugs to:

Chemotherapy primarily involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells that may be present throughout the body, not just limited to the breast. These drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of malignant tumors.

The rationale behind using chemotherapy is that cancer cells can metastasize, meaning they can spread from the original site (like the breast) to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. Therefore, even if the primary tumor is removed surgically, microscopic cancer cells may remain, posing a risk for recurrence. Chemotherapy serves to eliminate these remaining cells and reduce the chance of metastasis.

While chemotherapy can play a role in treatment plans aimed at preventing the recurrence of cancer after initial treatment, its primary function is to address visible or invisible cancer cells anywhere in the body, effectively emphasizing a systemic approach to cancer treatment. This is crucial because cancer can be aggressive, and ensuring that all cancer cells are targeted is vital for improving patient outcomes.