Breast oncology manages cancers of the breast, which is the most common cancer in women. A new lump, thickening, change in size or shape, nipple discharge or retraction, and skin dimpling or redness should be checked promptly. Mammography and ultrasound screen and evaluate the breast, and a needle biopsy confirms the diagnosis.

Tests on the tumour determine the medical treatment. Hormone receptor and HER2 status show whether hormone therapy or HER2-directed drugs will work, and these results strongly influence the outlook. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour or after surgery to reduce the risk of it returning.

Treatment usually continues for months or years. Hormone therapy, for example, is often taken for five to ten years, so regular follow-up matters.

Breast oncology services at Apex include:

• Imaging and Biopsy Assessment: Mammography, ultrasound and needle biopsy to confirm whether a lump is cancer and to determine the characteristics of the tumour.
• Chemotherapy Planning: Treatment before or after surgery, chosen using tumour type, stage and receptor status, with supportive medicines to reduce nausea and infection risk.
• Hormone Therapy: Tablets or injections that block or lower oestrogen in hormone-sensitive breast cancer, with monitoring of bone health and side effects such as hot flushes and joint pain.
• Survivorship Follow-Up: Regular examination, imaging and advice on diet, exercise and arm care that support recovery and early detection of any recurrence.