Ongoing Treatment

All patients who undergo breast conserving surgery will require radiation therapy to the remaining breast after their operation to minimise the risk of recurrence. Further information will be provided by your radiation oncologist during your consultation with them.

 Most patients who undergo a mastectomy will be able to avoid radiation unless their tumour is large (>5cm) or there is cancer within the lymph nodes.

Hormonal treatment may be recommended for women with receptor positive tumours. This involves taking a tablet daily for 5-10 years. There are two main forms of hormonal treatment – tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Your medical oncologist will provide further information during your consultation with them.

Chemotherapy may be recommended either before (neoadjuvant) or after surgery. The recommendation for chemotherapy is made at the multidisciplinary team meeting and depends on a number of patient and disease factors. Research has shown that patients achieve the same benefit in outcome whether chemotherapy is administered before or after surgery.

Modern chemotherapy has seen significant improvements overall and side effects are much better managed and tolerated by patients. More information regarding chemotherapy will be provided by your medical oncologist if it is recommended.