Breast Cancer

Cancer Care Alberta

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer for women in Alberta.

Invasive breast cancer usually requires surgical treatment, as well as treatment after surgery, including radiation. Two options exist for breast surgery:

• Breast conserving surgery (BCS), where a margin of normal breast tissue around the tumour is required to avoid additional surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove cancer from both the breast and the lymph nodes, as lymph nodes are the first place for breast cancer to spread.
• Mastectomy may be necessary based on tumour location, size and/or shape of the patient’s breast. It may also be the patient’s preference despite being eligible for BCS.

Radiation is generally recommended for patients who have had BCS for invasive breast cancer.

The following resources are available to help you navigate potential concerns around cancer suspicion, diagnosis, referral pathways and other important information.

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