Breast cancer is diagnosed from a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue from a suspicious breast lesion is sent for testing. If breast cancer is confirmed, treatment options may include surgery. Techniques include breast conserving surgery, as well as mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction. Depending on the preoperative results, a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary clearance (removal of all the axillary lymph nodes) is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Occasionally, preoperative chemotherapy and targeted therapy may be given prior to surgery.
All breast cancer cases will be discussed at the breast multidisciplinary tumour board. Recommendations for subsequent treatment, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy and radiotherapy, will be given based on the type and stage of the breast cancer. The Enhanced Perioperative Care (EPOC) pathway, implemented for reconstruction patients, also provides a systematic guideline to enhance recovery from breast surgery.