Breast Cancer

Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.

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What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Malaysia and worldwide. It begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a lump or tumour. Although breast cancer mainly affects women, men can also develop the disease. The three main subtypes are hormone receptor positive (ER/PR-positive), HER2-positive, and triple negative breast cancers. Each type behaves differently and requires specific treatment approaches.

How Common is Breast Cancer in Malaysia?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, accounting for about one in three female cancers.

In 2020 (GLOBOCAN), breast cancer made up 32.9% of all cancers in Malaysian women, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 46.1 per 100,000.
It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, with a mortality rate of 19.3 per 100,000.
For comparison, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysian women, with about 1,740 new cases and 991 deaths in 2020.

These figures highlight why early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer are crucial to improve survival and quality of life.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Some common signs to look out for include:

Early breast cancer may not show symptoms, which is why regular screening, such as mammograms, is important for early detection.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Regular screening is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, when treatment works best. In Malaysia, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, making awareness and timely screening especially important.

Screening Options

Mammogram: The gold standard for breast cancer screening, recommended for women aged 40 and above, or earlier if there is a family history.
Ultrasound: Often used together with mammograms, especially for younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
Clinical breast examination: Performed by a doctor to check for lumps or changes in the breast.
Breast self-examination: Helps women become familiar with their own breast tissue and notice unusual changes, though it does not replace medical screening.

Who should consider regular screening?

Women aged 40 years and above.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Those with genetic risk factors, such as BRCA mutations.
Women with prior breast conditions or higher lifetime risk.

Why screening matters

Detects cancer before symptoms develop.
Enables treatment at earlier, more curable stages.
Reduces the risk of advanced disease and improves survival outcomes.

How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves several steps:

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

What Are the Types of Breast Cancer?

Hormone receptor positive (ER/PR-positive): Cancers that grow in response to hormones
HER2-positive: Cancers driven by high levels of the HER2 protein, often more aggressive
Triple negative breast cancer: Lacks ER, PR, and HER2; tends to behave more aggressively
Less common types: Inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease of the nipple, and male breast cancer

What Are The Stages of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer stages range from early to advanced:

Stage 0

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), cancer confined to the ducts

Stage I

Small invasive tumour with little or no lymph node involvement

Stage II

Larger tumour or spread to nearby lymph nodes

Stage III

Locally advanced, with more extensive lymph node spread or involvement of chest wall/skin

Stage IV

Cancer has spread (metastasised) to other organs, such as bone, liver, lung, or brain

What are Breast Cancer Treatments?

Treatment depends on cancer stage, subtype, and patient profile. In Malaysia, there are various treatment options available for breast cancer. The specific treatment plan will depend on multiple factors, such as the cancer stage, the tumour grade, the patient’s overall health, and other individual factors.