How is breast cancer treated?

The team considers the breast tumour's size and type, whether lymph nodes are involved, whether cancer has spread, and tests such as hormone-receptor and HER2 results. Surgery may remove the tumour while preserving the breast when possible, or remove more breast tissue when needed. Lymph nodes may also be assessed.

Radiotherapy can reduce the chance of cancer remaining in the treated area after surgery. Medicines may include chemotherapy, hormone-blocking treatment, targeted treatment, or immunotherapy when appropriate. Some people receive medicine before surgery to shrink a tumour; others receive it afterwards to treat cells that cannot be seen on scans. Advanced disease may be managed with treatments that control cancer and symptoms over time.

Ask for the pathology report to be explained in plain language, including tumour type, grade, hormone receptors, HER2 status, and lymph-node findings. Discuss fertility, menopause symptoms, pregnancy plans, reconstruction, arm swelling, and emotional support before treatment starts. Bring someone to appointments if helpful and keep a written list of medicines and side effects. Report fever, wound problems, or new symptoms to the treatment team.

Contact your care team promptly for fever during chemotherapy, sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, a rapidly swollen arm, uncontrolled vomiting, or signs of infection around a wound or treatment device. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden neurological symptoms.

What do my pathology and receptor results mean? Which treatment comes first, and why? Will I need surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic medicine? How can treatment affect fertility, periods, hair, bone health, or the arm on the treated side? Which symptoms should trigger an urgent call?