What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

A Breast Biopsy confirms the diagnosis and provides information about the tumour. Imaging such as Breast MRI can help assess the breast and nearby tissue. Surgery may remove the tumour with breast-conserving surgery or remove the breast, with lymph-node assessment when needed. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour or after surgery to reduce the chance of remaining cancer cells. Radiotherapy may follow breast-conserving surgery or be advised in other situations. Hormone and targeted medicines depend on receptors and other tumour features.

Ask which tests will change your treatment plan, such as a Breast Cancer Gene Expression Test. Discuss the order of treatments, expected recovery, possible effects on hair, energy, fertility, sexual health and menopause, and ways to manage them. If pregnancy may matter to you, ask about Fertility Preservation before treatment starts. Reconstruction can be discussed before or after mastectomy; Breast Reconstruction is one option. Clinical Trials may be available for an appropriate situation.

Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, severe allergic symptoms, fainting, new confusion or sudden weakness. During treatment, promptly report fever, uncontrolled vomiting, dehydration, new severe pain, rapidly worsening redness or swelling around a wound, or a swollen painful arm. Contact the breast team for a new breast or underarm change rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

What subtype and stage is my breast cancer? Which treatments are essential, and which are optional? Will I need treatment before surgery? What will each test add? How might treatment affect fertility, work, appearance and daily life? Should I meet a fertility specialist or reconstruction team before treatment begins?