How does chemotherapy impact cancer treatment?

Chemotherapy plays a vital role in cancer treatment primarily because it has the ability to target cancer cells that have metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body. This systemic treatment involves the use of powerful drugs that circulate through the bloodstream, allowing them to reach and affect cancer cells beyond the original tumor site. This makes chemotherapy especially important in cases where the cancer is not contained and requires a broader approach to effectively manage and potentially eliminate cancerous cells throughout the body.

This characteristic of chemotherapy is what distinguishes it from other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, which often focus on localized areas. By treating not just the primary tumor but potentially affected distant sites as well, chemotherapy can improve overall outcomes, reduce the risk of recurrence, and enhance survival rates for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and other forms of cancer.