About Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding your condition and treatment options can help you move forward with confidence. At Canopy Cancer Care, we support adults across New Zealand with personalised breast cancer care – helping you understand your diagnosis, explore breast cancer treatment options, and receive the support you need at every stage of your journey.
First steps: from diagnosis to treatment
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and uncertainties. Understanding what the diagnosis means and what treatment options are available can help you feel more informed and supported as you move forward.
At Canopy Cancer Care, we support adults across New Zealand from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up care. Our oncology team works closely with you and your wider healthcare providers to review test results, explain your diagnosis clearly, and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Breast cancer treatment may involve a combination of therapies depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Most breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules of the breast tissue. While it occurs mainly in women, men can also develop breast cancer.
There are different types of breast cancer, and understanding the specific type helps doctors recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Classification
Luminal A: The most common subtype and represents 50% – 60% of all breast cancers.
Luminal B: Hormone-receptor positive (estrogen-receptor and/or progesterone-receptor positive Luminal B), and either HER2 positive or HER2 negative.
Triple-Negative: Cancer that tests negative for:
- estrogen receptors
- progesterone receptors
- HER2 protein
About 10 – 20% of breast cancers are triple-negative breast cancers.
Incidence & Survival rates
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in NZ and accounts for more than 600 deaths each year (MoH). In 2016 there were 3323 cases registered. 96.8 cases per 100,000.
80% of people with breast cancer survive 80% 10 years or more.
Recognising Breast Cancer
Possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Unexplained breast lump with or without pain
- Nipple discharge – blood stained or translucent
- Nipple retraction
- Skin changes – nodularity, thickening, tethering, peau d’orange
- Unexplained lump in the axilla
If you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important to see your GP promptly for assessment.
Potential risk factors
- Age
- Prolonged HRT
- Contraceptive pill
- Family history – BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 carrier
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop breast cancer, and some people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors.
How breast cancer is diagnosed
If breast cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer.
These may include:
- Clinical breast examination
- Mammography or ultrasound imaging
- MRI scans in some cases
- A biopsy to examine breast tissue under a microscope
These tests help determine the type of breast cancer and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Breast cancer treatment options
Treatment for breast cancer is personalised and depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as your individual health and preferences.
Common breast cancer treatments include:
- Surgery to remove the tumour or affected breast tissue
- Radiation therapy to destroy remaining cancer cells
- Chemotherapy to target cancer cells throughout the body
- Hormone therapy for hormone-sensitive cancers
- Targeted therapies or immunotherapy in specific cases
Often, a combination of treatments is used to achieve the best outcome.
How Canopy Cancer Care can help
At Canopy Cancer Care, we provide personalised support and treatment for adults with breast cancer, helping guide you from diagnosis through treatment and ongoing follow-up.
Our team can help by:
- Reviewing your diagnosis and pathology results
- Developing an individualised treatment plan tailored to your cancer type and stage
- Coordinating care with surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists
- Providing systemic cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy where appropriate
- Monitoring treatment response and managing side effects
- Supporting your wellbeing throughout your cancer journey
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your treatment decisions at every stage.
More information
Find more information on Breast cancer