Management of breast cancer: basic principles

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK predominately affecting women. The majority of breast cancer patients present with symptoms, but approximately 40% are diagnosed in asymptomatic women through the NHS Breast Screening Programme. Most breast cancers are now diagnosed non-operatively by triple assessment (the combination of clinical, radiological and pathological assessment) in specialist breast clinics. Breast cancer management is provided by a multidisciplinary team of breast specialists including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, breast care nurses and clinical/medical oncologists. Breast cancer patients now receive individualized treatment plans that may include surgery to both the breast and axilla (including breast reconstruction when appropriate), radiotherapy, endocrine treatment, chemotherapy and targeted treatments such as trastuzumab.