Conventional treatments for breast cancer include local and systemic treatments. Surgery to remove the primary tumor is a local treatment. Radiation to a specific area like the breastplate and/or under the armpit is also a local treatment. Systemic treatments include Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy and Targeted Therapy. These treatments involve infusions or pills that treat the whole body. Breast cancer patients may be treated with one or more of these treatments based on their breast cancer type and stage. Special situations are also taken into consideration (pregnancy is a great example). Decisions on treatment are best made as a team with the patient and their doctors in agreement.
A good source of information is the American Cancer Society.