Treatment of primary breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Scotland. Over the last 10 years the incidence has risen by approximately 12%. In 2010 there were 4,457 newly diagnosed cases in women and 23 in men.

Remit and target users

This guideline provides recommendations on surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy and trastuzumab. The use of complementary therapies and lifestyle management, including diet and exercise, are not addressed, but other sources of information on these areas are included.

This guideline will be of relevance to all members of the multidisciplinary team treating patients with breast cancer, including surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, therapy and diagnostic radiographers and nurses. It will also be of interest to patients and carers, managers and policy makers.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2013 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.