Breast cancer happens when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way—most often starting in the milk ducts or lobules. It is the most common cancer among women; however, men can also develop the disease.

Early detection plays a key role in improving outcomes. Regular screening can help identify changes at an earlier stage—sometimes before you can feel anything—and it can also provide reassurance when results are normal, helping alleviate doubts and reduce unnecessary worry.

At OncoClinic, we combine advanced diagnostics with clear explanations and personalized treatment planning. Our goal is to provide precise, effective care tailored to your specific situation—so you can move forward with confidence, whatever the results show.

Signs and symptoms

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast size, shape, or appearance
• Skin changes, such as dimpling or redness
• Nipple inversion or change in nipple position
• Nipple discharge, especially if bloody
• Breast or nipple pain
• Other symptoms may include breast swelling, bone pain, and shortness of breath

Any new or persistent breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Risk factors

• Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after 40 years
• Gender: Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men
• Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases the risk
• Genetic factors: Inherited mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of breast cancer
• Hormonal factors: Early menarche, late menopause, and long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are associated with increased risk
• Dense breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk and reduced sensitivity of mammography
• Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with an increased risk
• Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the chest area, especially at a young age, increases risk
• Reproductive history: Having no children or having the first child after age 30 may slightly increase risk
• Previous health conditions: A personal history of breast cancer or certain benign conditions, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), increases the risk

Screening

Screening helps detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, leading to simpler treatment and higher recovery chances. Regular screenings can save lives by identifying changes early.

• Women aged 40 and above: Mammograms are recommended annually, even if you have no symptoms
• Women with a family history of breast cancer: Screening should start earlier, usually 10 years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed. In certain cases, MRI is also recommended
• Women with genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2): Screening should begin early, typically between the ages of 25 and 30, with both MRI and mammograms starting at age 30
• Women with a history of breast cancer or high-risk conditions such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Annual mammograms are recommended, and additional tests may be needed based on individual circumstances
• Women who had chest radiation at a young age: Screening should start earlier, typically 8–10 years after treatment or by age 25, with annual mammograms and breast MRIs
• Women with dense breast tissue: Annual mammograms are recommended, and an ultrasound or MRI may be added for better detection

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is diagnosed when an abnormality found on screening or clinical examination is confirmed. Diagnostic evaluation typically includes:

• Diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI in selected cases
• Biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken to confirm cancer and determine tumor type

Pathology and molecular testing

Following a biopsy, pathology and molecular testing are conducted to further analyze the tumor and guide treatment planning. This includes assessment of:

• Hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone receptors)
• HER2 status

Staging

Staging describes how advanced the cancer is and helps doctors choose the most appropriate treatment. Breast cancer staging is based on the size of the tumor in the breast, whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

Staging evaluation may include

• Imaging studies, such as CT scan, bone scan, or PET/CT in selected cases
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node evaluation

Breast cancer staging

• Stage I: Small tumor confined to the breast
• Stage II: Larger tumor and/or limited spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage III: Locally advanced cancer with more extensive lymph node involvement
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as bones, liver, lungs, or brain

Treatment and procedures

At OncoClinic, breast cancer care is delivered through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. Treatment is tailored according to cancer stage, tumor biology, and overall health.

Surgery: Surgery is a mainstay of breast cancer treatment and may include lumpectomy or mastectomy. When surgery is indicated, procedures are performed at our accredited partner hospitals, under the direct coordination and supervision of our medical team, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

Systemic therapy: Treatment is selected based on the tumors' biological profile and may include:

• Hormone therapy for hormone-receptor-positive cancers
• Chemotherapy for selected patients
• Targeted therapy, such as HER2-directed treatments
• Immunotherapy in specific subtypes

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is commonly used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Combined treatment strategies: Many patients receive a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy to achieve the best outcomes.

Palliative and supportive care: Supportive care focuses on symptom management, emotional support, survivorship care, and quality of life at all stages of disease.

References

Breast cancer overview
American Cancer Society, 2026

Breast cancer – patient version
National Cancer Institute, 2026

NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: breast cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) – NCCN, 2023

Breast cancer treatment
Waks AG, Winer EP – JAMA, 2019

Breast cancer
Harbeck N et al. – Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2019