Areas of Care

Breast Cancer

For breast cancer, a personalized approach combining surgery, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapy is coordinated across our accredited network.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a tumor formed by the uncontrolled growth of cells in breast tissue. It most often arises from the cells lining the milk ducts (ductal) or the milk-producing glands (lobular).

It is the most common cancer in women and can rarely occur in men. When caught early, treatment success is very high, which is why regular screening and breast self-examination are so important.

What are the types of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is classified by spread and cell characteristics:

In situ (non-invasive)

An early form confined within the duct, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Invasive ductal carcinoma

The most common type; starts in a milk duct and spreads to surrounding tissue.

Invasive lobular carcinoma

Originates in the milk glands and spreads into breast tissue.

HER2-positive / triple-negative

Subtypes defined by receptor status (ER, PR, HER2) that guide treatment choice.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause is unknown, but the main factors that raise risk include:

Older age and female sex
Family history of breast cancer (especially mother, sister)
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
Early menstruation or late menopause
Never having given birth or first birth at an older age
Long-term hormone replacement therapy
Obesity, alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

It may cause no symptoms early on. See a physician if you notice:

A lump or hardness in the breast or armpit
A change in breast size or shape
Skin dimpling, an orange-peel appearance, or redness
Nipple retraction or bloody discharge
Crusting or rash around the nipple
Persistent breast pain

What are the stages of breast cancer?

Staging is based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread:

Stage 1

The tumor is small and confined to the breast, with no lymph node spread. This is the stage with the highest treatment success.

Stage 2

The tumor has grown or begun to reach nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3

The cancer has spread to surrounding tissue and regional lymph nodes.

Stage 4

The cancer has spread to distant organs such as bone, lung, liver, or brain (metastasis).

Receptor status and tumor grade also shape the treatment plan.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy after examination and imaging:

Clinical breast examination
Needle (core) biopsy of the suspicious area with pathology
Receptor (ER, PR, HER2) and Ki-67 testing
Genetic counseling and BRCA testing when indicated

Imaging methods in breast cancer

Imaging is used for both screening and assessing spread:

Mammography (screening and diagnosis)
Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI (high-risk patients and unclear cases)
PET-CT and bone scan when spread is suspected

Breast cancer treatment methods

Treatment is combined based on stage, subtype, and receptor status:

Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy; sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Breast reconstruction

Rebuilding the breast during the same operation or later.

Radiotherapy

Radiation after surgery to reduce local recurrence.

Chemotherapy

Drug therapy given before (neoadjuvant) or after surgery.

Hormone therapy

Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors for ER/PR-positive tumors.

Targeted therapy

Smart drugs such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive tumors.

Every patient and every tumor is different

No single treatment is right for everyone; the best plan depends on your exact diagnosis, stage, and tumor characteristics. At National Cancer Alliance, we arrange a free second opinion from board-certified oncologists to review your case.

Prognosis and survival rates

Breast cancer is among the cancers with the highest survival when detected early. In early-stage disease confined to the breast, the 5-year survival is about 99%; with regional spread it is roughly 86%, and with distant metastasis about 30%.

These figures vary with tumor subtype, receptor status, age, and response to treatment. Modern targeted and hormonal therapies have significantly improved survival.

How to reduce breast cancer risk

Measures that help lower risk:

Regular mammographic screening after age 40
Monthly breast self-examination
Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise
Limiting alcohol
Genetic counseling for high-risk individuals

Frequently asked questions

Is every lump cancer?

No. Most breast lumps are benign (cysts, fibroadenomas). However, any new lump should always be evaluated by a physician.

Is breast-conserving surgery possible?

In many early-stage patients only the tumor is removed (lumpectomy) followed by radiotherapy. Eligibility depends on tumor size and location.

Does every patient need chemotherapy?

No. The need is determined by stage, receptor status, and genomic testing. Some early-stage patients may not require it.

Should I get a second opinion?

Breast cancer has many treatment options. An independent oncologist can help determine the most appropriate, up-to-date plan for you.

Ready for a plan built around you?

Start with a free, no-obligation second opinion from a board-certified oncologist. Have your case reviewed and every option explained clearly.

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This page provides general information about breast cancer; it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatments are provided by independent, accredited hospitals and licensed physicians. Your treatment decision should be made by a qualified physician based on your individual situation.