Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cancer cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. As the most common cancer among women worldwide, breast cancer diagnosis requires prompt, evidence-based treatment approaches guided by established Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines (World Health Organization, 2024).

Cancer types include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive breast cancer (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), triple negative breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer - a rare, aggressive form requiring immediate intervention. Breast cancer stages range from Stage 0 (DCIS) to Stage IV (metastatic), with early-stage breast cancer offering the best prognosis when detected through screening breast MRI and mammography.

Treatment options for breast cancer depend on hormone receptor status (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2), tumor characteristics, and the patient's overall health. Modern approaches integrate surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, and targeted therapy based on NCCN guidelines and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendations.

What is included in the treatment guidelines for breast cancer?

The National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines (2025) provide evidence-based protocols for optimal cancer care across all stages. These comprehensive NCCN clinical practice guidelines assist breast surgeons, radiation oncology specialists, and oncologists in delivering personalized treatment strategies.

For surgical management, this includes the following:

• Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) with sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection when indicated
• Breast reconstruction (immediate or delayed)
• Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk patients

For radiation therapy, the following methods are considered:

• External beam radiation following breast-conserving surgery
• Post-mastectomy radiation for high-risk features
• Radiation oncology planning based on the involvement of nearby lymph nodes

Finally, for systemic therapy, these are discussed:

• Adjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor-negative tumors
• Hormone therapy for hormone receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy to downstage locally advanced disease
• Adjuvant therapy selection guided by genomic testing

How does the template work?

The provided template serves as a structured guide for healthcare professionals and patients alike, outlining the recommended treatment options for different stages and types of breast cancer. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Download the handout

From this page, click "Use template" to access and edit the resource, or "Download" to obtain a PDF file of the handout.

Step 2: Select the relevant section

Once you've assessed what you need to know, find the corresponding section from the template. Each section provides an overview of the recommended treatment options for either surgical treatment, radiation therapy, or systemic therapy.

Step 3: Consider patient-specific factors

While reviewing the treatment options, healthcare providers should consider patient-specific factors such as tumor characteristics (e.g., hormone receptor status, HER2/neu status), overall health status, and treatment preferences. These factors help in individualizing treatment decisions to optimize outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Step 4: Make informed treatment decisions

Based on the information provided in the template and considering patient-specific factors, healthcare providers and patients can collaboratively make informed treatment decisions. This may involve a combination of treatments tailored to the patient's unique situation, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome while minimizing side effects and preserving quality of life.

Benefits of having treatment guidelines

These guidelines encompass evidence-based recommendations derived from clinical research, expert consensus, and best practices in oncology care. Here are its benefits:

Standardized care delivery

Treatment guidelines ensure consistent and standardized care delivery for breast cancer patients, promoting uniformity in treatment approaches across healthcare settings.

Improved treatment outcomes

Following established guidelines enhances the likelihood of favorable treatment outcomes, optimizing patient care and prognosis based on evidence-based practices.

Enhanced quality of care

Guidelines facilitate the delivery of high-quality care by providing clear protocols, reducing variability in practice, and minimizing the risk of errors or omissions.

Streamlined decision-making

Healthcare providers benefit from guidelines as valuable reference tools, aiding in informed decision-making regarding diagnostic testing, treatment selection, and patient management.

Increased patient safety

Adherence to treatment guidelines promotes patient safety by minimizing potential adverse events or complications associated with deviations from established best practices, ensuring patients receive appropriate and evidence-based care.

Reference

World Health Organization. (2024, March 13). Breast cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer