Breast Cancer Information Center
One place with in-depth information, up-to-date research, and practical tools
for women facing breast cancer and their families.
Survival rates improve every year. Here you will find information on treatments, clinical trials, genetic testing, and international resources.
What is Breast Cancer?
Types, symptoms and diagnosis
Early Detection
Mammography, self-exam and screening
Treatments & Medications
Chemotherapy, hormone, biological
Clinical Trials
Active research worldwide
New Research
Breakthroughs and discoveries 2025
BRCA & Genetics
Mutations, testing and prevention
Fertility & Pregnancy
Fertility preservation and treatment during pregnancy
Living with Breast Cancer
Rehabilitation, mental support and nutrition
Success Stories
Women who have triumphed and inspire
Links & Resources
Organizations, centers and rights
What is Breast Cancer?
Types, risk factors, symptoms and diagnosis
What happens in the body?
Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow out of control, forming a tumor. Most breast cancers start in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma). Cancers can be in situ (confined, such as DCIS) or invasive, meaning they have spread into surrounding tissue. With early detection and modern treatment, the prognosis is excellent for most types. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide (WHO, 2022).
Main Types of Breast Cancer
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
The most common type, accounting for about 80% of invasive breast cancers. Starts in the milk ducts and grows into surrounding breast tissue. Treatment depends on receptor status (ER, PR, HER2).
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
The second most common type (10–15%). Starts in the lobules that produce milk. Often harder to detect on mammography. Associated with bilateral disease in some cases.
DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Non-invasive, stage 0. Cancer cells are confined within the ducts. Highly treatable. Represents about 20% of newly diagnosed breast cancers. Treatment prevents progression to invasive disease.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
About 15% of cases. Lacks ER, PR and HER2 receptors. More aggressive, more common in younger women and those with BRCA1 mutations. Immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors are now important treatment options.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Key Risk Factors
Female sex and increasing age are the greatest risk factors. Others include: BRCA1/2 mutations, family history, dense breast tissue, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption, obesity, and late first pregnancy. About 5–10% of cases are hereditary.
Warning Signs
A new lump in the breast or armpit; change in breast size, shape or appearance; skin dimpling or puckering; nipple discharge (not breast milk); inverted nipple; redness, scaling or flaking of the nipple or breast skin. Many early cancers cause no symptoms — this is why screening is essential.
Survival Rates Are Rising
Global 5-year survival rates for breast cancer have improved dramatically over the past three decades thanks to early detection programs and advances in treatment. Localized (stage I) breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate approaching 99% in high-income countries. Even for stage IV (metastatic) disease, new targeted therapies are extending lives significantly. Research is moving faster than ever.
Diagnosis involves a combination of imaging and tissue sampling:
- Mammography: The standard screening tool. Digital and 3D (tomosynthesis) mammography detect cancers missed by traditional methods.
- Ultrasound: Used to evaluate lumps, especially in younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
- MRI: Recommended for high-risk women (BRCA carriers), staging, and evaluating extent of disease.
- Biopsy: Core needle biopsy provides tissue for pathological analysis — the definitive way to diagnose breast cancer and determine receptor status.
- Genomic testing: Tests like Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, and Prosigna predict recurrence risk and guide chemotherapy decisions.
Early Detection & Screening
Mammography, self-examination and guidelines
Early Detection Saves Lives
When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, survival rates are dramatically better. Mammography screening programs have been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality by 20–40%. Regular screening is the single most effective tool for catching breast cancer while it is still highly treatable.
Mammography Screening Guidelines
Most international guidelines recommend annual or biennial mammography screening for average-risk women starting at age 40–50. The WHO recommends mammography screening every 2 years for women aged 50–69. Women at high risk (BRCA carriers, strong family history) should begin screening earlier and may also have annual MRI.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Monthly self-examination helps women become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts so they can notice changes quickly. While BSE alone is not sufficient for screening, it is an important complement to regular clinical examinations and mammography.
Clinical Breast Exam
A physical examination by a healthcare provider who checks for lumps and other changes. Recommended every 1–3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, and annually from age 40 onwards. Important in regions where mammography access is limited.
Dense Breast Tissue
About 40% of women have dense breasts, which makes cancers harder to see on mammography and increases breast cancer risk. Supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI may be recommended. Ask your doctor about your breast density classification after mammography.
Treatments & Medications
Approved therapies, new treatments and what to ask your oncologist
Multidisciplinary Approach
Modern breast cancer treatment involves a team of specialists: surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, and specialist nurses. Treatment is tailored to the individual based on tumor type, stage, receptor status, and the patient's overall health and preferences. The goal is to maximize cure while minimizing side effects.
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
Removes the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the breast. Combined with radiation therapy. Outcomes are equivalent to mastectomy for most early-stage cancers. Preferred by many women for quality of life reasons.
Mastectomy
Complete removal of the breast. Options include simple mastectomy (breast tissue only), modified radical mastectomy (breast + axillary lymph nodes), and nipple-sparing mastectomy. Reconstruction can be performed immediately or delayed. May be chosen for larger tumors, BRCA carriers, or patient preference.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Maps and removes the first lymph node(s) draining the tumor. If the sentinel node is cancer-free, further lymph node removal may be avoided, reducing the risk of lymphedema. Standard of care for clinically node-negative early breast cancer.
Breast Reconstruction
Options include implant-based reconstruction, tissue flap reconstruction (TRAM, DIEP, latissimus dorsi), and oncoplastic surgery techniques. Reconstruction is a deeply personal decision. Discuss all options with a plastic surgeon before any breast surgery.
| Therapy | When Used | Key Drugs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone Therapy | ER+ and/or PR+ cancers (~70% of cases) | Tamoxifen, Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane, Fulvestrant | Taken for 5–10 years. Dramatically reduces recurrence risk. CDK4/6 inhibitors (Palbociclib, Ribociclib, Abemaciclib) are added for metastatic or high-risk disease. |
| Chemotherapy | Triple-negative, HER2+, high-risk, or locally advanced | AC, Taxanes (Paclitaxel, Docetaxel), Carboplatin, Capecitabine | Often given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors. Genomic tests (Oncotype DX, MammaPrint) can identify patients who can safely skip chemotherapy. |
| PARP Inhibitors | BRCA1/2 mutation, HER2-, metastatic | Olaparib (Lynparza), Talazoparib (Talzenna) | Approved for BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer. Oral tablets. Significantly improves progression-free survival. |
| Antibody-Drug Conjugates | HER2+, HER2-low, TNBC | T-DM1 (Kadcyla), T-DXd (Enhertu), Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) | Deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells via a targeted antibody. Revolutionary results in HER2-low disease. Changing treatment for metastatic TNBC. |
HER2-Targeted Therapy
HER2+ cancers (~20% of cases) are treated with: Trastuzumab (Herceptin) — monoclonal antibody, backbone of HER2+ treatment; Pertuzumab (Perjeta) — added for HER2+ neoadjuvant/metastatic; Lapatinib, Neratinib, Tucatinib — small molecule HER2 inhibitors. Dual HER2 blockade (pertuzumab + trastuzumab) has transformed outcomes.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors
Game-changing for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. Palbociclib (Ibrance), Ribociclib (Kisqali), Abemaciclib (Verzenio) — added to hormone therapy. Also approved as adjuvant therapy (Abemaciclib: Monarch E trial) for high-risk early breast cancer. Have significantly extended progression-free and overall survival.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Alpelisib (Piqray): PI3K inhibitor for PIK3CA-mutated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (SOLAR-1 trial). Capivasertib (Truqap): AKT inhibitor, FDA-approved 2023 for HR+/HER2- with PIK3CA/AKT/PTEN alterations. Everolimus (Afinitor): mTOR inhibitor combined with exemestane.
Immunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has historically been the most difficult subtype to treat. Immunotherapy has now changed this for PD-L1 positive tumors and high-risk early TNBC.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
FDA-approved for early high-risk TNBC (KEYNOTE-522: in combination with chemotherapy, then as monotherapy after surgery) and metastatic PD-L1+ TNBC (KEYNOTE-355). A landmark advance for TNBC that was previously untreatable with targeted therapy.
Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
PD-L1 inhibitor, initially approved for TNBC but withdrawn from the US market following confirmatory trial results. Still used in some countries. Research into optimal patient selection for PD-L1 inhibitors in breast cancer continues.
Future Directions
Combination strategies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy (TIL therapy), and bispecific antibodies are in clinical trials. The IMpassion130 and KEYNOTE-522 trials established the proof-of-concept that immune checkpoint inhibitors can benefit breast cancer patients.
Clinical Trials
Active research worldwide — participation opportunities
Why Join a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments before they are available to the general public. Every trial is reviewed by an ethics committee, includes close medical monitoring, and contributes to research that helps everyone. Many of the most effective current breast cancer treatments were discovered through clinical trials.
DESTINY-Breast Trials (T-DXd)
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) has revolutionized treatment for HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. DESTINY-Breast04 showed a 50% reduction in disease progression vs. chemotherapy. Ongoing trials explore earlier lines of therapy and combination strategies.
TROPICS-02 — Sacituzumab Govitecan
Trodelvy showed significant benefit vs. chemotherapy in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors. FDA-approved 2023. Confirms the value of ADCs in endocrine-resistant disease.
OlympiA — Olaparib Adjuvant
Phase 3 trial showed adjuvant Olaparib improved overall survival in BRCA-mutated HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer. FDA-approved 2022. Demonstrates the importance of BRCA testing for all eligible patients.
BRCA Carrier Prevention Trials
Multiple trials evaluate risk-reducing strategies for BRCA1/2 carriers, including chemoprevention (Tamoxifen, Raloxifene), prophylactic surgery outcomes, and emerging targeted prevention agents.
KEYNOTE-522 — Long-Term Follow-Up
Pembrolizumab + chemotherapy (neoadjuvant) followed by pembrolizumab (adjuvant) continues to show improved event-free survival and overall survival in early TNBC. Changing the standard of care globally for high-risk TNBC.
New Research
Breakthroughs and discoveries in 2024–2025
A Golden Era for Breast Cancer Research
2022–2025 have brought unprecedented advances in breast cancer treatment. Antibody-drug conjugates, CDK4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy, and liquid biopsies are collectively transforming outcomes for every subtype of breast cancer.
HER2-Low: A New Classification
DESTINY-Breast04 established "HER2-low" as a clinically actionable category, covering ~60% of metastatic breast cancers previously considered HER2-negative. T-DXd (Enhertu) is now approved for this group — one of the most significant advances in years. Liquid biopsy tools are improving HER2-low detection.
Oral SERD: Elacestrant
Elacestrant (Orserdu), the first oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), was FDA-approved in 2023 for ESR1-mutated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer after progression on CDK4/6 inhibitors (EMERALD trial). Oral SERDs represent the next generation of endocrine therapy.
Liquid Biopsy
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can now detect minimal residual disease, predict recurrence, identify resistance mutations, and guide treatment changes — all from a blood draw. Multiple platforms are gaining regulatory approval and moving into clinical practice. A transformative advance in monitoring.
AI in Mammography and Pathology
AI-assisted mammography reading has shown sensitivity comparable to or exceeding radiologists, with fewer false positives. AI tools in digital pathology can predict molecular subtypes, recurrence risk, and treatment response from H&E slides. Large-scale trials of AI-guided screening are underway in Europe and the US.
Cancer Vaccines
mRNA vaccine technology (the platform behind COVID-19 vaccines) is being applied to breast cancer. Personalized neoantigen vaccines, HER2 vaccines, and TNBC vaccines are in Phase 1–2 trials. Early results show immune responses in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer.
Genomic De-escalation
Trials like MINDACT (MammaPrint), TAILORx (Oncotype DX) and RxPONDER have established that thousands of women per year can safely skip chemotherapy based on genomic test results. De-escalation of treatment reduces toxicity while maintaining excellent outcomes.
BRCA & Genetics
Mutations, hereditary risk, testing and risk reduction
Who Should Consider BRCA Testing?
About 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most well-known high-risk genes. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have a lifetime breast cancer risk of 55–72%; BRCA2 confers a 45–69% lifetime risk. Testing guidelines vary by country; generally recommended if: breast cancer diagnosed under age 50, bilateral breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or strong family history (two or more close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer).
Other High-Risk Genes
Beyond BRCA1/2, other genes confer elevated breast cancer risk: PALB2 (lifetime risk ~35%); CHEK2 (moderate risk, ~25%); ATM (moderate risk); CDH1 (lobular cancer); PTEN (Cowden syndrome). Multi-gene panel testing is now standard.
Risk Reduction Options
For BRCA1/2 carriers: Intensified surveillance (annual MRI + mammography from age 25–30); Risk-reducing mastectomy (reduces risk by ~95%); Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (reduces breast cancer risk by ~50% and ovarian cancer risk substantially); Chemoprevention (Tamoxifen, Raloxifene — moderate risk reduction).
Genetic Counseling
Genetic testing should ideally be accompanied by pre- and post-test genetic counseling. A genetic counselor helps interpret results, explains implications for the patient and family members, and discusses risk-reduction options. Many cancer centers offer hereditary breast and ovarian cancer programs.
BRCA and Treatment Decisions
BRCA status influences treatment: BRCA1/2-mutated breast cancer may be more responsive to platinum chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors. Adjuvant Olaparib (OlympiA trial) is now standard for high-risk early BRCA-mutated breast cancer. BRCA testing should be offered to all eligible patients before treatment decisions.
Fertility & Pregnancy
Fertility preservation, pregnancy after cancer and treatment during pregnancy
Act Early — Discuss Fertility Before Treatment Begins
Chemotherapy and some targeted therapies can affect fertility. All premenopausal women should be offered fertility counseling and preservation options before starting treatment. This is especially urgent as some treatments should begin promptly. Delaying cancer treatment by 2–4 weeks for egg/embryo freezing is generally considered safe for most early-stage breast cancers.
Embryo and Egg Freezing
The most established methods for fertility preservation. Eggs are stimulated, retrieved and fertilized (embryo freezing) or stored unfertilized (egg freezing). Can be done safely before chemotherapy using tamoxifen or letrozole-based stimulation protocols that minimize estrogen exposure. Success rates have improved significantly.
Ovarian Suppression with GnRH Analogues
Medications like Goserelin (Zoladex) given during chemotherapy may help protect the ovaries. The POEMS trial showed reduced premature ovarian insufficiency with Goserelin. Also used as part of adjuvant hormone therapy in premenopausal HR+ breast cancer (SOFT/TEXT trials).
Pregnancy After Breast Cancer
Pregnancy after breast cancer treatment does not worsen prognosis — even for hormone receptor-positive cancers. The POSITIVE trial demonstrated that temporarily pausing hormone therapy for 2 years to allow pregnancy did not increase recurrence risk at short-term follow-up. Most guidelines recommend waiting 2 years after completing treatment before attempting pregnancy.
Breast Cancer Diagnosed During Pregnancy
Occurs in approximately 1 in 3,000 pregnancies. Chemotherapy (after the first trimester) is generally safe. Surgery can be performed in all trimesters. Radiation and most targeted therapies are avoided during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team including a maternal-fetal medicine specialist is essential.
Living with Breast Cancer
Rehabilitation, psychological support, nutrition and exercise
Quality of Life Matters
Modern breast cancer treatment aims to preserve and enhance quality of life, not just extend it. Exercise, good nutrition, psychological support and management of side effects are all essential components of comprehensive cancer care. Survivorship planning — which addresses long-term health after treatment — is now recognized as a crucial part of cancer care.
Exercise During and After Treatment
Regular aerobic exercise reduces fatigue, improves mood, and may reduce breast cancer recurrence risk by 30–40%. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for cancer survivors. Exercise is safe and beneficial during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Consult a physical therapist familiar with oncology.
Nutrition
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with improved outcomes. Maintaining a healthy weight is important — obesity is a risk factor for recurrence. Avoid alcohol (increases recurrence risk). Soy products are safe for most breast cancer survivors. Discuss specific supplements with your oncologist.
Psychological Support
Anxiety and depression are common during and after breast cancer treatment. Psychological distress should be routinely screened and treated. Effective interventions include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), support groups, and peer support programs. The impact of breast cancer on body image, sexuality and relationships deserves open discussion with your care team.
Managing Side Effects
Common side effects requiring proactive management: lymphedema (arm swelling after lymph node surgery — managed with physiotherapy and compression garments); peripheral neuropathy (from taxanes — managed with exercise, supplements); chemotherapy-induced menopause; cognitive effects ("chemo brain"); bone density loss from aromatase inhibitors (managed with calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, bisphosphonates if needed).
Talking to Children and Family
Open, age-appropriate communication with children and family reduces distress for everyone. Most children cope better when given honest, simple explanations. Many cancer centers offer resources and counseling for families. Support groups for partners and family members are available through organizations like Breast Cancer Now and Susan G. Komen.
Survivorship Planning
A survivorship care plan documents your treatments, potential long-term effects, follow-up schedule, and healthy lifestyle recommendations. Ask your oncologist for a survivorship plan when you complete active treatment. Regular follow-up typically includes mammography, clinical exam, and monitoring for specific long-term effects of your treatment.
Mental Health — For Patients and Caregivers
Psychological wellbeing is an integral part of breast cancer treatment
A Statistic That Matters
Up to 40% of breast cancer patients experience clinically significant anxiety, and up to 25% experience clinical depression. This is not weakness — it is a normal human response to an overwhelming challenge. Psycho-oncology offers evidence-based tools that improve both wellbeing and treatment resilience. Request a referral early — you do not need to wait until you are in crisis.
CBT for Cancer (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cancer-specific CBT targets patterns of catastrophic thinking, avoidance behaviors, and anxiety spirals. Evidence base is strong for depression, anxiety, and insomnia in breast cancer patients. Typically 8–12 sessions. Available through your oncology center's psycho-oncology team or via telehealth. Ask for a referral at any point during treatment — not just at diagnosis.
ACT and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and MBSR (8-week program) both show significant reductions in anxiety, pain perception, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. MBSR reduces cortisol, improves sleep quality, and builds psychological flexibility for living with uncertainty. Increasingly available as structured online programs for patients who cannot travel.
Support Groups — Clinically Effective
Professionally facilitated peer support groups for breast cancer patients produce measurable reductions in depression and anxiety, and improve sense of control. Online groups have substantially expanded access. Major organizations like Susan G. Komen, LBBC (Living Beyond Breast Cancer), and national breast cancer societies run evidence-based programs globally.
Fear of Recurrence (FCR)
The most common psychological concern among breast cancer survivors: "What if it comes back?" FCR is legitimate and clinically significant — not irrational. Evidence-based approaches include ConquerFear therapy (8 sessions), mindfulness-based FCR programs, and structured follow-up schedules that reduce uncertainty. Talk openly with your care team about FCR — it is a valid clinical topic.
Partner and Relationship Impact
Breast cancer places significant stress on intimate relationships — body image changes, reduced libido, role shifts, and divergent coping styles. Couples who communicate openly about their fears and needs adapt better. ASD-focused couples therapy exists and has strong evidence. Distributing caregiving tasks more evenly reduces partner burnout and resentment. A weekly 30-minute check-in — just to talk, not to solve — is enough to prevent drift.
Talking to Children
Children sense that something is wrong even when not told. Age-appropriate honesty consistently outperforms concealment for children's long-term adjustment. Ages 3–6: "Mom/Dad is sick and getting strong medicine to get better." Ages 7–12: Simple explanation of treatments and expected changes. Teens: more open conversation. A child psychologist can guide the process. Books like "When a Parent Has Cancer" are widely used resources.
Caregiver Burnout
Partners, family members, and friends who provide care face significant mental health burden. Caregiver burnout — emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced efficacy — is common and underrecognized. Caregivers must maintain their own health and accept help from others. Many cancer centers now offer caregiver support programs alongside patient programs. Normalize getting help.
Accepting Help from Your Community
Many patients struggle to accept help from their community. Allowing others to help — with meals, transport, childcare, household tasks — is not weakness. It frees energy for healing. Be specific when people offer: "Could you drive me to my Thursday treatment?" Create a meal schedule using apps like MealTrain. Let people feel useful — it helps them too.
Warning Signs — Get Help Now
Seek immediate support if you experience: thoughts of self-harm or feeling your family would be better without you; inability to function in daily activities; severely disrupted eating or sleep for more than two weeks; feeling like giving up on treatment. These are not signs of weakness — they are signs that your system is overloaded and needs support right now.
Crisis Lines (International)
US: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). UK: Samaritans 116 123. Canada: 1-833-456-4566. Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14. International directory: findahelpline.com. You do not need to be suicidal to call — these lines support anyone in emotional distress.
Psycho-Oncology Services
Every major cancer center has a psycho-oncology team (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker). Ask for a referral at your first appointment — you do not need to wait until you are struggling. Telehealth has dramatically expanded access since 2020. Many cancer-specific mental health services are covered by insurance.
Online Communities and Resources
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (lbbc.org) — evidence-based education and peer support. Young Survival Coalition (youngsurvival.org) — for women under 40. LBBC Helpline: 888-753-5222. Breastcancer.org community forums. FORCE (facingourrisk.org) for BRCA carriers. These communities reduce isolation, normalize experiences, and connect patients to practical guidance.
Mental Health is Part of Treatment — Not Extra
NCCN 2024 survivorship guidelines now include mandatory psychosocial distress screening at every clinic visit. This reflects a fundamental shift: psychological wellbeing is not a "nice to have" alongside cancer treatment — it is a clinical outcome. Distress affects treatment adherence, immune function, and quality of life. Prioritize it accordingly.
Success Stories
Women who have triumphed and are an inspiration
Living Proof That Treatment Works
Today, millions of women worldwide are breast cancer survivors living full and active lives. The combination of early detection, genomics-guided treatment, and modern therapies means that for most women, a breast cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence — it is the start of a journey that many navigate successfully.
Global Advocacy That Changed Medicine
The breast cancer advocacy movement — led by organizations like Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Now and IBCPC — transformed how cancer research is funded and conducted. Patient advocates are now members of scientific review panels, clinical trial design committees, and regulatory bodies. This advocacy has directly accelerated approval of life-saving treatments.
The POSITIVE Trial: Proof That Life Goes On
Published in NEJM in 2023, the POSITIVE trial showed that premenopausal women with HR+ early breast cancer who temporarily paused hormone therapy to have a baby did not have worse short-term cancer outcomes than those who continued treatment. A landmark result giving hope to young women who want to start a family after breast cancer.
Metastatic Doesn't Mean Terminal
With modern treatment, many women with stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer live 5, 10 or even more years while maintaining good quality of life. The addition of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy has transformed the metastatic landscape. Many women with MBC describe living "with" cancer rather than dying "from" it.
From Patient to Researcher
Many breast cancer survivors have become patient advocates and researchers who have driven important advances in the field. Organizations like Breast Cancer Now and the IBCPC (International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission) have turned survivorship into community, sport and activism — with dragon boat racing becoming a global symbol of thriving after breast cancer.
Links & Resources
Organizations, websites, tools and support
Leading International Organizations
Susan G. Komen
The world's largest breast cancer organization. Research funding, patient support, clinical trial finder, and helpline.
komen.orgBreast Cancer Now
UK-based organization funding research and providing support. Helpline, online community, and information resources.
breastcancernow.orgIBCPC
International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission — uniting breast cancer survivors through dragon boat paddling worldwide.
ibcpc.comWHO Breast Cancer Programme
World Health Organization guidelines, global statistics, and policy resources on breast cancer.
WHO Breast CancerAdditional Resources
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Comprehensive information on breast cancer, clinical trials, and treatment guidelines. US government resource.
cancer.gov/breastBreastcancer.org
Non-profit organization providing reliable information, community forums, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
breastcancer.orgASCO Patient Information
American Society of Clinical Oncology's patient information resource with evidence-based treatment information.
cancer.netKey Research Articles
Targeted Therapy Trials
- Modi et al. (2022) NEJM: DESTINY-Breast04 (T-DXd)
- Cortes et al. (2022) NEJM: KEYNOTE-522 (pembrolizumab)
- Tutt et al. (2021) NEJM: OlympiA (olaparib)
Endocrine Therapy
- Rugo et al. (2022) NEJM: TROPICS-02 (sacituzumab)
- Jhaveri et al. (2023): Capivasertib (AKT inhibitor)
- Sledge et al. (2017) NEJM: MONARCH 2 (abemaciclib)
Genetics and Survivorship
- Lambertini et al. (2023) NEJM: POSITIVE trial
- Domchek et al. (2010) JAMA: Risk reduction in BRCA carriers
- Pierce et al. (2023): Exercise and recurrence risk