Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia. Although a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it is important to know that breast cancer is highly treatable especially when detected early. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many women are able to achieve good outcomes and continue to lead fulfilling lives.

At Mahkota Medical Centre, we provide comprehensive, patient-centred breast cancer care supported by structured clinical pathways and a multidisciplinary team.

What Makes Breast Cancer Care at Mahkota Different?

Mahkota Medical Centre is the only hospital in Malaysia offering a JCI-certified Breast Cancer Clinical Care Program (CCPC).

This internationally recognised certification ensures that every patient receives care through a structured, coordinated and evidence-based program designed specifically for breast cancer treatment.

Key features of the program include:

• Multidisciplinary Tumour Board

Patient’s case is reviewed by a team of specialists including breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and nurse navigators to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.

• Coordinated Care Pathway

Patients move through diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery through a carefully designed pathway to minimise delays and improve outcomes.

• Dedicated Case Manager

A breast cancer nurse navigator supports patients throughout their journey, helping coordinate appointments, treatments and follow-up care.

• Evidence-Based Treatment Standards

All care protocols follow internationally recognised clinical guidelines and quality indicators.

• Continuous Monitoring of Outcomes

Patient outcomes, treatment timelines and quality indicators are continuously monitored to ensure consistent high standards of care.

How Common Is Breast Cancer in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, 1 in 19 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Despite increasing awareness and screening efforts, approximately 40% of new breast cancer cases are still diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment may be more complex.

These statistics highlight the importance of early detection, timely screening, and access to coordinated care.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast, most commonly in the ducts or lobules begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Breast cancers may be classified as non-invasive (in situ) or invasive, depending on whether the cancer cells have spread beyond their original location into surrounding breast tissue.

When not detected early, breast cancer can spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis plays a key role in preventing disease progression and improving treatment outcomes.

Types of Breast Cancer

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (Carcinoma in Situ)

Non-invasive breast cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, refers to abnormal cells that develop within the milk ducts or lobules but have not spread into surrounding breast tissue. The term “in situ” means “in place,” indicating that the cells remain where they first developed.

Because non-invasive breast cancer is detected at an early stage and remains localised, treatment outcomes are generally very favourable. These conditions are often detected through screening, such as mammography, even before symptoms appear.

The two main types are:

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

DCIS develops within the milk ducts and is the most common form of non-invasive breast cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. With appropriate treatment and follow-up, most women with DCIS do very well.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

LCIS develops in the lobules of the breast. It is less common and is generally considered a marker of increased breast cancer risk, rather than a true cancer. Women diagnosed with LCIS are usually monitored closely as part of long-term breast health care.

Although carcinoma in situ is sometimes described as a pre-cancerous condition, not all cases progress to invasive breast cancer. Early detection and proper monitoring play an important role in preventing disease progression.

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread outside the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue. This is different from metastatic cancer, which refers to cancer that has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, liver, or brain.

While invasive breast cancer has the potential to spread beyond the breast, not all invasive cancers are metastatic. Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly reduce the risk of further spread.

The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. It begins in the milk ducts and becomes invasive when cancer cells spread into surrounding breast tissue.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

ILC accounts for about 10–15% of breast cancers. It begins in the lobules and spreads into nearby tissue. ILC may occur in more than one area of the breast and can sometimes be more difficult to detect through physical examination or mammography alone.


Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. Some women may not experience any symptoms at all.

Possible warning signs include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm

• Changes in breast size or shape

• Thickening, dimpling, or redness of the breast skin

• Nipple changes or unusual discharge

• Persistent pain in one area of the breast

Any new, unusual, or persistent breast changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

Breast cancer can affect women of all ages. While some risk factors cannot be changed, certain lifestyle-related factors may influence breast cancer risk.

Lifestyle-related factors that may increase risk include:

• Physical inactivity – Regular physical activity has been shown to help lower breast cancer risk.
  
  
• Alcohol consumption – Breast cancer risk increases with higher levels of alcohol intake.
  
  
• Excess body weight after menopause – Being overweight or obese after menopause may increase risk due to hormonal changes.
  
  
• Hormonal exposure – Long-term use of certain hormone therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy, may slightly increase risk.
  
  
• Reproductive and breastfeeding history – Women who have not had children or who have their first pregnancy later in life may have a slightly higher risk
  
  
• Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer
  

Having one or more of these factors does not mean a woman will develop breast cancer. Risk is influenced by many factors, and regular screening remains one of the most effective ways to support early detection.

Early detection is one of the most important factors in improving breast cancer outcomes. Breast cancers detected through screening are more likely to be smaller and confined to the breast, allowing for more effective and less extensive treatment.

Early detection may include:

• Being aware of changes in your breasts
  
  
• Clinical breast examinations

• Mammography screening, particularly for women aged 40 and above

Women are encouraged to discuss screening options and frequency with a healthcare professional based on their age, risk factors, and medical history.

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is an advanced imaging technique used to detect early changes in breast tissue. Compared to traditional film mammography, digital mammograms allow clearer image capture and better assessment of abnormalities that may not be felt during a physical examination.

Digital mammography plays a key role in the early detection of breast cancer and supports timely diagnosis and treatment planning.

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at Mahkota Medical Centre

Mahkota Medical Centre offers comprehensive breast cancer care supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and coordinated care throughout every stage of the patient journey.

As part of our commitment to quality and safety, Mahkota Medical Centre offers a JCI-certified, disease-specific Breast Cancer Clinical Care Program Certification (CCPC) providing a structured, evidence-based care pathway designed to support consistent, high-quality outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Take the Next Step

Early action matters. Whether you are exploring screening options or seeking comprehensive breast cancer care, Mahkota Medical Centre is here to support you.

Early Detection & Screening

Learn more about breast cancer screening and how digital mammography helps detect cancer early.

Detect Breast Cancer Early With Digital Mammogram