Does chemotherapy before surgery treat breast cancer?

Chemotherapy given before an operation is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It travels through the bloodstream, so it can act on breast cancer in the breast and on cells elsewhere that cannot be seen on scans. Shrinking the tumour may make surgery easier or allow breast-conserving surgery in some situations. The tumour's response also gives the team useful information when planning treatment after surgery. Not every breast cancer needs chemotherapy before surgery; the choice depends on tumour biology, size, lymph nodes, overall health, and treatment goals.

Your oncology team may review tissue test results, scans, heart health, medicines, fertility, and plans for surgery before starting. Treatment is delivered in cycles with reviews and blood tests between them. Possible effects include tiredness, nausea, appetite changes, hair loss, mouth soreness, and infection risk, although the pattern varies. Ask which symptoms need a same-day call, how side effects will be treated, and when surgery is expected after the planned course.

Call the oncology team urgently for a fever, chills, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, uncontrolled vomiting, or inability to drink. Seek immediate help for severe allergic symptoms during or soon after an infusion. Report mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, bleeding, or unusual weakness early so the team can assess and support you.

What is the aim of chemotherapy before surgery in my case? How will response be checked, and how could it change the operation or treatment afterwards? Which side effects require an urgent call, and who should I contact outside clinic hours?