[Non-metastatic breast cancer]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Research

Context:

• Breast cancer surgery, once a surgical subspecialty, is now a standalone field.
• Increased incidence and evolving surgical techniques have driven this transformation.
• Complex treatment indications and classification systems necessitate specialized expertise.

Purpose:

• To provide an overview of current breast cancer management.
• To clarify the complex classification systems in breast cancer.
• To highlight the evolving role of surgical oncologists.

Summary:

• Breast cancer surgery has transitioned into an independent specialty.
• Factors contributing to this include a doubling in incidence over 20 years, therapeutic de-escalation, and complex classification.
• While surgeons remain central, a multidisciplinary approach is now standard for all stages of breast cancer treatment.

Impact:

• Establishes breast cancer surgery as a distinct specialty.
• Clarifies complex classification systems for improved understanding and treatment planning.
• Emphasizes the critical role of a multidisciplinary team in modern breast cancer care.