Breast Oncology

About Breast Oncology

Breast oncology is a specialized area of cancer care focused on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of breast cancer. Breast cancer can affect people differently depending on the type, stage, tumour characteristics and overall health, so treatment is usually planned around the individual rather than following a single approach.

A breast oncology team may evaluate symptoms, imaging results, biopsy findings and other diagnostic information before recommending an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the situation, care may involve breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or a combination of treatments.

Early evaluation can help identify breast abnormalities and determine the most appropriate next steps. If you notice a new breast lump, changes in breast shape or size, nipple changes, unusual discharge or persistent breast discomfort, it is important to discuss these symptoms with a qualified healthcare professional.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is an important first step in breast cancer care. Depending on the patient's symptoms and clinical findings, doctors may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Clinical breast examination
• Mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI in selected cases
• Image-guided breast biopsy
• Laboratory and pathology evaluation
• Additional tests to determine the characteristics and extent of cancer

A biopsy is commonly used to confirm whether abnormal breast tissue contains cancer cells. Pathology and other tumour information can help the oncology team understand the type of breast cancer and guide treatment decisions.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors, including the cancer type and stage, tumour characteristics, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, previous treatments and the patient's overall health.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery may be recommended to remove the tumour and, when appropriate, assess or treat nearby lymph nodes. Surgical options can vary from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy, depending on the individual case.

The oncology and surgical teams may discuss the expected benefits, possible risks, recovery considerations and reconstructive options where appropriate.

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be recommended before surgery, after surgery or in certain advanced breast cancer situations. The choice of medicines and treatment schedule depends on the cancer characteristics and the individual's treatment plan.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for breast cancer uses carefully planned radiation to target cancer cells. It may be recommended after surgery in selected patients to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated area.

Radiation treatment is planned according to the tumour location, previous treatment and individual clinical requirements.

Hormone Therapy

Some breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. In these cases, hormone therapy for breast cancer may be used to reduce the effect of hormones that can promote the growth of certain cancer cells.

The medicine and duration of treatment depend on factors such as cancer characteristics, menopausal status and previous treatments.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is designed to act on specific biological features of cancer cells. For patients whose breast cancer has particular molecular or receptor characteristics, targeted medicines may form an important part of treatment.

The suitability of targeted treatment is determined through pathology and other relevant diagnostic testing.

Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care

Breast cancer treatment often involves more than one medical specialty. Depending on the patient's condition, care may involve medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, breast surgeons, oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals.

A multidisciplinary approach allows different aspects of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and supportive care to be considered together. The final treatment plan should be based on the patient's medical history, diagnostic results and discussions with the treating specialists.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Recovery after breast cancer treatment varies from person to person. Follow-up appointments help doctors monitor recovery, manage treatment-related effects and assess the patient's ongoing health.

Depending on the treatment received, follow-up care may include clinical examinations, imaging, medication management, rehabilitation, nutritional guidance and emotional or supportive care.

Patients should follow their oncology team's instructions regarding medicines, wound care, physical activity and follow-up appointments. Any new or persistent symptoms should be reported to the treating healthcare team.

When to Consult a Breast Cancer Specialist

Consider seeking medical evaluation if you notice:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Persistent changes in breast size or shape
• Skin changes such as dimpling or unusual redness
• Changes in the nipple
• Unusual nipple discharge, particularly if persistent or bloody
• Persistent breast or underarm discomfort
• Other breast changes that are new or concerning

Many breast changes are not caused by cancer, but unexplained or persistent changes should be evaluated rather than self-diagnosed.

Choosing Breast Cancer Care

When considering breast cancer treatment, patients and families may want to understand the diagnosis, available treatment options, expected side effects, recovery requirements and follow-up plan. Asking questions and discussing treatment choices with qualified oncology specialists can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Breast oncology combines accurate diagnosis, evidence-based cancer treatment and continuing follow-up to address the changing needs of patients throughout their treatment journey.