What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells grow out of control in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. It mainly affects women, but men can develop it too.
Understanding the type of breast cancer you have, its stage and its biological markers helps you follow the decisions your medical team makes about surgery and other treatments.
Signs and symptoms
Finding breast cancer early makes treatment more effective. See a doctor if you notice any of these changes:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, even if it is painless
- A change in the size, shape or outline of the breast
- Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness or skin that looks like orange peel
- Nipple changes, such as a nipple turning inwards, redness, scaling or discharge, especially if it contains blood
Types of breast cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Abnormal cells are found only inside the milk ducts and have not spread into the surrounding tissue. It is considered stage 0 and is highly treatable.
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
The most common type, accounting for about 8 in 10 breast cancers. It starts in the milk ducts and grows into the surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
Starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules). It often grows in thin strands rather than a single lump, so it can be harder to feel or see on a mammogram.
Biological markers: why your biopsy matters
After a biopsy, the tissue is tested for proteins that drive the cancer. The results guide the treatments you may need before or after surgery.
Hormone receptor-positive (ER+ / PR+)
The cancer cells use oestrogen or progesterone to grow. These cancers can be treated with hormone-blocking medicines such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.
HER2-positive
The cells make too much of a protein called HER2, which makes them grow faster. These cancers usually respond well to targeted medicines such as trastuzumab.
Triple-negative
The cells test negative for oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Treatment usually combines surgery with chemotherapy and, in some cases, immunotherapy.
How breast cancer is diagnosed
Imaging
- Diagnostic mammogram: a detailed X-ray of the breast to investigate a lump, skin change or abnormal screening result.
- Breast ultrasound: shows whether a lump is solid or a fluid-filled cyst.
- Breast MRI: gives detailed images to measure the tumour exactly or check the other breast, often for higher-risk patients.
Biopsy and pathology
- Core needle biopsy: the only way to confirm breast cancer. Small samples of tissue are taken with a needle guided by ultrasound or mammogram.
- Marker testing: the laboratory checks hormone receptor (ER/PR) and HER2 status, which shape the treatment plan.
Surgical treatment options
| Operation | What it involves | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lumpectomy | Removes the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue and keeps the breast | Usually followed by radiotherapy; suits early-stage tumours |
| Mastectomy | Removes all of the breast tissue, sometimes keeping the skin and nipple | For larger or multiple tumours, genetic risk or personal choice |
| Sentinel lymph node biopsy | Removes the first one to five lymph nodes in the armpit to check for spread | Done during the main operation; low risk of arm swelling |
| Axillary lymph node dissection | Removes a larger group of armpit lymph nodes | Needed if the sentinel nodes contain significant cancer |
| Breast reconstruction | Rebuilds the breast with an implant or your own tissue | Can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or later |
Staging and your treatment plan
Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV, based on the size of the tumour, whether it has reached the lymph nodes and whether it has spread to other organs such as the bones, lungs or liver.
Most treatment plans combine local treatment, such as surgery and radiotherapy, with treatment that works throughout the body, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted medicines. Your surgeon and oncology team decide the order and combination that suits you.
Key terms
- ER / PR status: shows whether the cancer grows in response to oestrogen or progesterone, and so whether hormone therapy will help.
- HER2 status: shows whether the cancer makes too much HER2 protein, and so whether targeted medicines will be added.
- Clear margins: the edge of the removed tissue contains no cancer cells, which confirms the tumour has been fully removed.
- Lymphoedema: long-term swelling of the arm or hand caused by a build-up of lymph fluid after lymph nodes are removed or damaged.
Breast Cancer Surgery procedures
Lumpectomy
Breast-conserving surgery that removes the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue, usually followed by radiotherapy.
Mastectomy
Removal of the whole breast, with options to keep the skin and nipple for immediate reconstruction.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A staging procedure that removes the first one to five armpit lymph nodes to check whether breast cancer has spread.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Removal of a larger group of armpit lymph nodes when breast cancer has spread to them.
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
Rebuilding the breast after mastectomy with an implant or your own tissue, at the same time or later.
What the Breast Cancer Surgery package includes
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Hospital and medical care
Your private hospital room, nursing care, pre-operative tests, consultations with your surgeon, anaesthesia, the operation itself and the medication you take home.
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VIP transfers
A private driver meets you at the airport and takes you between the airport, your hotel and the hospital.
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Translator and companion
A medical translator at the hospital, and a companion can travel with you at no extra cost.
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Meals and comfort
Daily meals for you and your companion throughout your stay.
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24/7 patient coordinator
A dedicated coordinator answers your questions before, during and after your trip, in your language.
Breast Cancer Surgery FAQ
Will I need a mastectomy, or can my breast be kept?
Many women with early-stage breast cancer can have a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy, with the same long-term outcome as a mastectomy. The choice depends on the size and position of the tumour, the size of your breast, genetic factors and your own preference. Your surgeon explains the options after reviewing your scans and biopsy.
Can I have breast reconstruction at the same time?
Often, yes. Reconstruction can start during the mastectomy or be done months or years later. Your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon plan it together.
Do I need radiotherapy or chemotherapy as well?
It depends on the type and stage of the cancer and on your biopsy markers. Lumpectomy is almost always followed by radiotherapy. Your oncology team will explain whether you need further treatment and where it can be given.
